3 suspected gold smugglers arrested by GoldBod security taskforce remanded

Three suspected gold smugglers have been arrested by the GoldBod Security Taskforce.

The suspects are Goutam Katriya, 35, Miraj Sarvaych, 22, and Manash Damani, 42. They are Indian nationals involved in gold trading in Kumasi and Accra. They allegedly worked for Unique MM, a company owned by Musah Salifu.

The arrests took place at a private residence near Atinga Junction in Kumasi. This location was converted into an illegal gold trading center. The operation followed a tip-off from a whistle-blower. The suspects were reportedly buying gold at black market rates to smuggle it out of Ghana.

On Monday, April 28, 2025, the three were brought before the Achimota Circuit Court. They were remanded into custody for two weeks.

At a press conference in Accra, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan shared details about the case. Items seized included GH¢1.9 million, 4,500 rupees, and 4.363 kilograms of gold. Other items included two counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport.

Preliminary investigations show that none of the suspects had valid licenses to buy or deal in gold in Ghana. Despite being active in the trade for over ten years, they could not provide residence permits or tax records.

Investigators found that Musah Salifu is allegedly acting as a front for Goutam Katriya. Katriya is believed to be the actual owner and controlling figure behind Unique MM.

Chief Superintendent Alhassan warned both Ghanaians and foreigners against violating Ghana's gold trading laws. He stated that this arrest is just the start of GoldBod’s campaign against illegal activities.

Alhassan mentioned credible intelligence about smuggling operations through unauthorized border points into India. This practice poses serious risks to Ghana's economy. Investigations will continue on other illegal operators with decisive actions expected soon.

The suspects will remain with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) until May 12, 2025 when they will return to court.

In related news, GoldBod has ordered all foreign nationals involved in gold trading to leave by April 30, 2025. All transactions must be conducted in Ghana cedis at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.

Non-compliance with these directives will violate the Ghana Gold Board Act of 2025 (Act 1140), according to a press release from GoldBod on April 23, 2025.