Gold Smuggling Network Exposed: Links to Chinese Gangs Uncovered

A recent gold smuggling operation, where 14 kg of gold was illicitly transported with the cooperation of airport staff, has been revealed to have connections with a previously apprehended Chinese gang. Investigations conducted by the airport customs office into Chandra Ghale, the individual responsible for bringing the gold from Dubai, have unveiled ties with other groups engaged in gold smuggling over an extended period.

During the arrest and subsequent inquiry involving 10 individuals, the involvement of DB Gurung and John Jeevan Gurung at the highest level became apparent. Both individuals, currently evading authorities, were previously associated with a gang that smuggled gold from Hong Kong by concealing it within vehicle parts. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) had earlier dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence, despite their connection with the gang, including Dawa Chiring.

In the latest incident, arrest warrants have been issued against DB Gurung and John Jeevan Gurung based on clear evidence. However, both individuals have been on the run since the gold seizure. While the investigation has revealed the gang’s involvement in gold smuggling for an extended period, detailed information about other high-level individuals connected to the operation remains undisclosed due to the lack of a comprehensive inquiry.

The customs office at Tribhuvan International Airport has concluded its investigation into the 14 kg gold smuggling case and is preparing to prosecute. However, concerns arise due to the absence of a thorough police investigation into organized crime, raising the possibility of key individuals being acquitted.

DB Gurung, associated with the latter gang, maintained a secret gold store at his residence in Banyantar Suryadarshan Heights, Kathmandu. Jeevan Gurung, who remains at large, was responsible for selling the smuggled gold to various traders. The ongoing investigation into the smuggling operation faces challenges as both individuals continue to evade authorities.

Jeevan Gurung sold a car to Daojin Wang, a member of the Chinese gang involved in gold smuggling through Brake Shoe. He also had regular contact with numerous individuals implicated in the arrest and investigation of the smuggling. In a subsequent phase of the inquiry, it was confirmed that he was overseeing another group involved in gold smuggling from Wela Airport, under the surveillance of the CIB.

Gurung, who also operates Platinum College in Dillibazar, has investments in various businesses, including restaurants. Customs sources indicate that he acted as a gold dealer following the instructions of Ankit Agarwal, who sends gold from Dubai. Details about to whom Gurung used to deliver the smuggled gold and the clarity of his investments remain unclear in his absence.

Politically, John Jeevan Gurung has been found to have connections. “He seems to be in regular contact with top leaders of Maoist and UML,” says a customs source. “It has been heard that he is manipulating the public prosecutor’s office while he is on the run to avoid being prosecuted.” Some leaders are allegedly interested in the case with customs and the government attorney on behalf of Gurung.

Individuals directly involved in bringing and managing the smuggled gold, including Chandra Ghale, Krishna Shrestha, and Meen Bahadur Ghale, have been arrested by customs. Others detained include civil aviation office staff and airport cleaning staff. DB Gurung, responsible for arranging the settings at the airport, remains at large, preventing the arrest of high-level individuals involved in the operation.

Chief Customs Administrator Dr. Tokaraj Pandey stated that the investigation into the 14 kg gold smuggling case has been sent to the public prosecutor’s office for further opinion. The group’s activities led to the conclusion that 138 kg of gold was smuggled from the airport in the last year. Limited CCTV camera coverage has hampered detection, as smugglers exploited gaps in camera surveillance to bring gold to the immigration toilet, facilitating its passage through the airport staff.