The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) of India has reported the discovery of more than 25 kilogrammes of gold, valued at over USD 2.2 million, in possession of Zakia Wardak, Afghanistan's Consul General in Mumbai, at the city's airport.
According to The Times of India, Indian officials allege that Wardak intended to "smuggle" this gold from Dubai into India. The incident took place on April 25.
Indian authorities have seized the gold and initiated a "smuggling" case against Wardak. However, due to her diplomatic immunity, she has not been arrested. The Indian law mandates detention and criminal prosecution for suspects involved in smuggling gold valued over USD 100,000.
It is unclear where Wardak obtained the gold from.
In response to The Times of India, Wardak expressed surprise at the allegations and awaits further investigation. She mentioned facing personal challenges during her tenure at the embassy and consulate and quoted her absence from Mumbai for medical treatment.
This incident marks the first instance of a senior foreign diplomat being accused of smuggling in Mumbai in recent times, according to Indian officials.
The DRI had received specific information regarding Wardak and deployed personnel at Mumbai airport.
On April 25, Wardak, accompanied by her son, arrived in Mumbai from Dubai. The police stopped them at the airport exit for customs inspection, during which they initially denied carrying any items. Subsequent searches revealed the hidden gold in Wardak's customised jacket, knee caps, and waist belt. Nothing was found with the diplomat's son.
Indian officials valued the confiscated gold at 18.6 crore Indian rupees, equivalent to over USD 2.23 million.
Wardak and Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, another Afghan Consul in India, also oversee the Afghan Embassy in Delhi in cooperation with the Taliban government.
Wardak has not responded to inquiries from Afghanistan International regarding these allegations.
