Photo : Messenger
Over fifty civil aviation and Biman officials at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are currently under surveillance by intelligence agencies due to their alleged involvement in gold smuggling.
Intelligence officials strongly suspect that these individuals are responsible for the recent surge in gold smuggling activities within the country. In the past month alone, approximately 100 kilograms of gold have been confiscated at Shahjalal, Shah Amanat and Osmani Airports. Additionally, customs intelligence seized an additional 8 kilograms of gold on Tuesday night.
The illicit gold trade has witnessed the adoption of sophisticated techniques by the smugglers. Notably, a novel method involving a specific password code has been identified as part of their clandestine operations.
Customs Intelligence Additional Director General Minhaj Uddin disclosed to The Daily Messenger that there has been a recent surge in gold smuggling, and the authorities have made notable observations regarding the individuals and networks involved in this illicit activity. He affirmed that the customs intelligence team is actively engaged in investigating the matter.
When queried about specific names related to the investigation, Minhaj Uddin explained that, in the interest of the ongoing inquiry, he could not immediately reveal any names. However, he emphasised that the team is meticulously sifting through the information at their disposal, ensuring a careful selection process before divulging any details.
According to reliable sources, it has been revealed that officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines have not refrained from exploiting the country's sole flag-carrying flight for smuggling activities. In a recent incident involving Bangladesh Biman Flight BG 702, a substantial 124 kilograms of gold were seized from various locations within the flight, including the panel box. This event has brought to light the alleged complicity of Biman Bangladesh Airlines officials and employees in the illegal smuggling operations.
Instances have surfaced of flight pilots and cabin crews being apprehended at Shahjalal International Airport while attempting to transport gold consignments. Notably, this is not an isolated incident, as last August, the APBN detained a mechanical engineer named Shafiqul Islam with 7 kilograms of gold.
Process of Gold Smuggling: A significant portion of the illicit gold shipments entering Bangladesh can be traced back to Dubai. The modus operandi involves the movement of small consignments out of the airport with the assistance of unscrupulous individuals embedded in various agencies operating at Bangladesh airports. Notably, airplanes are employed as a means to smuggle larger quantities of gold. In such cases, individuals transporting the gold discreetly leave it behind in airplane seats or toilets. Subsequently, dishonest personnel associated with Biman Bangladesh Airlines take it upon themselves to retrieve the gold and facilitate its removal from the airport.
The prolonged duration that Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft spend at the airport provides an extended window of opportunity for individuals connected to the airport to access and collect illegally transported gold. Consequently, a pattern has emerged, with large gold consignments predominantly arriving on various flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The orchestration of these significant gold shipments involves multiple syndicates, with their operations extending to collecting the smuggled gold within the country and subsequently channeling it to India.
Recent incidents at Osmani Airport in Sylhet have underscored the utilisation of Bangladesh Biman flights in these illicit activities. Following the recovery of 34 kilograms of gold at Osmani Airport, the same flight continued to Shahjalal International Airport, where an additional 12 kilograms of gold were seized.
Gold smuggling operations have become increasingly sophisticated, involving the collaboration of flight engineers and crew members. In these cases, gold is concealed in various parts of the aircraft, presenting unique challenges for detection. Noteworthy hiding spots include under seats, behind mirrors in the washroom, tied to the bottom of commodes, and concealed inside panel boxes. One notable example is the recovery of the largest consignment in Shahjalal's history, weighing 124 kilograms, which was hidden in a panel box.
The panel box, in particular, poses a significant challenge for authorities as only the flight engineer typically has access to this compartment. This restricts the number of individuals who can enter and inspect the space, making it an attractive location for smuggling operations due to its relative seclusion.
Gold smuggling by hiring workers: Gold smuggling has taken on a new dimension, with smugglers resorting to the recruitment of airport workers, specifically those employed in aircraft-related roles such as cleaners or security personnel. This illicit practice involves individuals entrusted with maintaining the cleanliness of aircraft or ensuring security within the airport premises. Notably, security personnel have been apprehended while attempting to smuggle gold concealed within their blazers.
To further evade detection, these operatives deviate from the conventional arrival terminal and opt for the departure terminal, particularly the two-story departure facility.
New Trick Password: A novel technique in gold smuggling involves a discreet password system. In this method, an individual, defined as a passenger from any Middle Eastern country wishing to travel to Bangladesh after an extended period, is instructed to deliver a designated challan (document) to a specified person upon disembarking from the flight. This unique approach allows the passenger to exit the airport without apprehension.
The process further unfolds with the determination of a predetermined amount based on the weight of the shipment, including airfare. After successfully bringing the gold into the country, the passenger hands over the challan to the designated personnel within the Biman or civil aviation. This clandestine exchange facilitates the smooth exit of the passenger without raising suspicion.
Airport Armed Police Additional Superintendent Ziaul Haque Palash, has confirmed the escalating trend of gold smuggling, noting an increase in seizures in recent times. The specific individuals or groups that smugglers are aiding or coordinating with remain the subject of an ongoing investigation.
In response to inquiries, Palash revealed that the police have made arrests, such as detaining the aircraft's mechanical engineer. However, he acknowledged the possibility of additional individuals being involved in these illicit activities.
Messenger/Disha
