Two Malaysian of Chinese descent called Chan and Chen used to come to Dhaka regularly though not as tourists. They were gold carriers and in 2015, customs officials recovered six gold bars from them. Each weighing six kg, the market value of the bars was Tk 30 million.
It has come to light from a receipt found on the two that the gold was meant for Amin Jewellers in Baitul Mokarram Super Market, shops 52-53, though in reality, Amin Jewellers is on 73 and 74.
But the case report or the charge sheet did not mention any receipt. As a result, the owner of Amin Jewellers was not questioned.
The lawyers of both foreigners, H M Masum, says quoting their clients, “The gold was bought for Amin Jewellers.”
Meanwhile, the two foreigners currently in Kasimpur prison say they want to go back home. One of the two, Chen, also a senior citizen, is ill.
Owner of Amin Jewellers, Sirajul Islam, could not be contacted over phone and did not respond to sms messages.
It’s found that there is a lot of subterfuge in gold smuggling cases as many important evidence is not mentioned in the charge sheet, therefore, allowing the main masterminds to be left out from the investigation.
On the other hand, carriers who are caught do not know the real identity of the main gold smuggling head. Most criminals get acquitted in high court and then disappear.
In 33 years, only three persons have been arrested for gold smuggling.
On 25 December 2014, police raided the home of Mohammad Ali, owner of Ali Sweets, recovering five sacks of cash, foreign currency and 1.5 tonnes of gold.
Later, Sirajganj upazila chairman, Riazuddin, was arrested in this connection, who is now out on bail. From 1985 till now, 495 persons were arrested for gold smuggling of whom 492 are carriers.