Foreign Currency Smuggled To Dubai Via Hawala From Pune, USD 4.1 Lakh Seized; Three Held By Customs
Foreign Currency Smuggled To Dubai Via Hawala From Pune, USD 4.1 Lakh Seized; Three Held By Customs
Pune, 25 February 2025: The Customs Department has uncovered a hawala racket involving USD 4 lakh (approximately ₹3.5 crore) and arrested two individuals in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Khushbu Agarwal (41), the owner of a Pune-based tours and travel company, and Mohammad Amir (50), a Mumbai-based travel agent. Authorities have seized the illegal money and recovered foreign currency from 17 different countries from Amir’s residence.
Officials revealed that Agarwal had arranged travel for three women—Jasleen Kaur Gurudutta, Anchal Rajesh Mittal, and Sakshi Dipesh Shah—to Dubai on February 16. The women were reportedly unaware that they were carrying illegal cash.
Upon their arrival at Dubai Airport, customs officials found the undeclared USD in their baggage during an inspection. When questioned, the women failed to provide a valid explanation for the money. Dubai authorities deported them to Pune on a SpiceJet flight, where Indian customs officials detained and questioned them.
Following the investigation, Khushbu Agarwal was arrested, and further inquiries led to the arrest of Mohammad Amir. A raid on Amir’s residence in Mumbai resulted in the seizure of foreign currencies from 17 different countries.
- Both Agarwal and Amir were initially remanded in police custody until February 24. On Monday, they were placed under judicial custody.
- Despite carrying the money, the three women have not been arrested, as authorities believe they were unaware of the illegal transaction.
- The Customs Department continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the hawala network and identify other possible suspects.
