GoldBod Security Taskforce has captured 3 suspected gold smugglers. Indian nationals Goutam Katriya (35), Miraj Sarvaych (22), and Manash Damani (42) are reportedly involved in gold trading. They are active in Kumasi and Accra. They are said to operate under the Unique MM company, which is reportedly owned by Musah Salifu.
They were picked up at a private residence near Atinga Junction in Kumasi. The residence had been transformed into an unlawful hub for gold trade.
The suspects were arrested. A patriotic whistleblower alerted authorities about their purchase of gold at “black market” prices. They allegedly bought it for smuggling purposes. They were brought before the Achimota Circuit Court on Monday, April 28, and remanded into custody for two weeks.
During the press conference in Accra on Tuesday, April 29, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan was present. He is the Director of Investigations at National Security. He disclosed significant findings. They obtained considerable evidence during the operation.
The items seized comprised GH¢1.9 million, 4,500 Indian rupees, 4.363 kilograms of gold, two counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport. Initial inquiries, based on his statement, have determined a significant finding. All suspects lack a legitimate permit to purchase or exchange gold in Ghana.
Furthermore, the trio are rumoured to have been active in Ghana’s gold industry for more than ten years. They have not presented proof of a residency permit. They also lack an employment permit or tax documentation.
Goutam Katriya is suspected to be the actual beneficial owner and controller. Additional information revealed that Musah Salifu is the listed Ghanaian shareholder of Unique MM. He is being used as a cover. Chief Superintendent Alhassan cautioned both local and foreign individuals. They must adhere to the regulations set forth in the Ghana Gold Board Act. This act and other laws govern the trade of gold within the country.
“This arrest is only the beginning of GoldBod’s ruthless war against illegal gold trading and smuggling. We know that the arrested suspects smuggle gold through unapproved border points into India. This has serious negative consequences for the Ghanaian economy. We are still gathering intelligence on several illegal gold traders and smugglers. And very soon, we shall take necessary action,” he said.
The NIB will retain custody of the suspects until their next court appearance on May 12, 2025. In the meantime, GoldBod stands firm on its initial order. All non-nationals involved in gold trading must leave the market by April 30, 2025.
It specifies that all gold dealings should occur in Ghana cedis. These transactions must use the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate. In a press release dated April 23, 2025, GoldBod announced that violating these regulations would be a punishable offense. This is per the GoldBod Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
