Kumasi, Ghana – Three Indian nationals suspected of illegal gold trading and smuggling have been arrested by the GoldBod Security Taskforce in a targeted operation. The suspects—identified as Goutam Katriya (35), Miraj Sarvaych (22), and Manash Damani (42)—were reportedly operating in Kumasi and Accra under the guise of a company called Unique MM, allegedly owned by a Ghanaian, Musah Salifu.
The Arrest and Seizure
Acting on a tip-off, security forces raided a private residence near Atinga Junction in Kumasi, which had been converted into an unlicensed gold trading hub. The suspects were allegedly buying gold at black-market rates with the intent to smuggle it out of Ghana.
During the operation, authorities recovered GH¢1.9 million, 4,500 Indian rupees, 4.363 kilograms of gold, two counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport. Investigations revealed that none of the suspects held valid licenses to trade in gold, nor did they possess the necessary residence or work permits.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
The trio appeared before the Achimota Circuit Court on Monday, April 28, 2025, and were remanded into custody for two weeks. Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, Director of Investigations at National Security, disclosed that further scrutiny exposed Musah Salifu as a front for Goutam Katriya, who is believed to be the true owner and controlling force behind Unique MM.
“This arrest is just the beginning,” Alhassan warned. “We have intelligence confirming that these individuals have been smuggling gold through unauthorized border points into India, undermining Ghana’s economy. Our crackdown on illegal gold trade will intensify in the coming weeks.”
GoldBod’s Stricter Regulations
In a related development, GoldBod has reinforced its mandate requiring all foreign nationals involved in Ghana’s gold trade to exit the sector by April 30, 2025. Additionally, all gold transactions must now be conducted in **Ghana cedis at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.
Failure to comply with these directives will be treated as a criminal offense under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). The suspects remain in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and are scheduled to reappear in court on May 12, 2025.
GoldBod has urged the public to report any suspicious gold-related activities, emphasizing its commitment to eradicating illegal trade and safeguarding Ghana’s mineral resources.
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