Kerala Gold Scam: NIA Arrests Rabins K Hameed at Kochi Airport

In yet another development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Rabins Hameed, a key accused in the Kerala Gold Scam. Rabin Hameed was absconding since the NIA investigations had begun. Hameed was arrested at Kochi Airport after he was deported from the UAE.

Hameed, a native of Kerala, has been identified as one of the key conspirators in the diplomatic baggage gold smuggling scam and was deported by the UAE authorities after Interpol issued a blue corner notice against him.

A blue corner is an inquiry notice issued by Interpol, to identify, locate and obtain information about a suspected or specific person of interest, as a part of a criminal investigation.

The controversial gold scam came to light when smuggling of 30 kg gold from Dubai to Kerala camouflaged as diplomatic baggage was addressed to Consular officer of UAE; Consular officer Rashed Khamis Ali Musaiqri Alshemeli, in whose name the camouflaged diplomatic baggage came, left India in July.

NIA in its probe had identified 20 suspects and besides Hameed, has arrested the other three key accused — Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair, in the case. Now the NIA is working to apprehend Sidhiqul Akbar and Ahammed Kutty — also in the UAE and Faizal Fareed, who is allegedly a Kingpin in the case, who was arrested by UAE authorities, earlier this month.