Gold Smuggling from China Border: 1064 Kg Worth ₹800 Crore Reached Delhi


Major Disclosure by Investigation Agencies


  • Indian investigation and security agencies uncovered a large-scale gold smuggling network from the India-China border.
  • The case involves multiple agencies, including ITBP, DRI, and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
  • Payment for the gold was made to a Chinese national named Bhu-Chum-Chum through cryptocurrency (USDT/Tether).


ITBP’s Seizure and Initial Probe


  • ITBP, posted on the India-China border, seized 108 kg of foreign-origin gold.
  • This seizure became the turning point in exposing the massive smuggling racket.
  • Following the ITBP action, the DRI launched an investigation, detaining several suspects.

Scale of Smuggling Operation


  • Investigations revealed that between 2023 and 2024, accused Tendu Tashi smuggled 1064 kg of gold worth ₹800 crore into India.
  • The gold was transported from the China border to Delhi with the help of syndicate members.
  • The smuggled gold was then sold to jewelers and traders in Delhi’s market.


Raids and Detentions


  • The ED’s srinagar office conducted raids at five locations in Delhi-NCR, targeting both residential and commercial premises.
  • These searches, carried out under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, led to the recovery of incriminating documents.
  • The DRI detained 10 individuals under the COFEPOSA Act, confirming their long-term involvement in gold smuggling.


Role of Chinese Nationals and Porters


  • The investigation identified Tenzin Khandap, a Tibet resident, as the designated receiver of gold from Bhu-Chum-Chum.
  • He was tasked with carrying gold to the Indo-China border and handing it over to Indian porters.
  • On instructions from Tendu Tashi, Tenzin Samphel (Khandap’s uncle) recruited two porters to transport 108 kg of gold.
  • This method successfully enabled the syndicate to bypass security checks and move gold into India.


Key Findings


  • Smuggling was executed with cross-border coordination, using cryptocurrency for transactions.
  • 1064 kg of gold worth ₹800 crore entered Delhi’s market within two years.
  • The racket highlights the rising use of wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital currency in illegal trade and the growing challenges for enforcement agencies.
For more interesting updates wa click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel

Find out more:

Gold Smuggling

D N INDUJAA

09/09/2025 07:34 PM