KUMASI, Ghana – April 29, 2025 — Three Indian nationals have been arrested by the GoldBod Security Taskforce in connection with illegal gold trading and smuggling operations in Ghana. The suspects — Goutam Katriya (35), Miraj Sarvaych (22), and Manash Damani (42) — were apprehended at a private residence near Atinga Junction, Kumasi, which authorities say had been converted into an unlawful gold trading hub.
The arrests were made following a tip-off from a whistleblower, revealing that the suspects were buying gold at black market rates with the intent to smuggle the precious metal out of the country. The individuals operated under a company named Unique MM, allegedly fronted by a Ghanaian, Musah Salifu, but reportedly controlled by Katriya.
At a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, April 29, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, Director of Investigations at National Security, disclosed that investigators retrieved significant evidence including:
- GH¢1.9 million in cash
- 4,500 Indian rupees
- 4.363 kilograms of gold
- Two money counting machines
- A CCTV recorder
- An Indian passport
Chief Superintendent Alhassan stated that none of the suspects had valid licenses to trade in gold, nor could they provide residence permits, work permits, or tax records, despite reportedly operating in Ghana’s gold sector for over ten years.
“This arrest is only the beginning of GoldBod’s ruthless war against illegal gold trading and gold smuggling,” Alhassan warned. “We know these suspects smuggle gold through unapproved border points into India, which has serious negative consequences for the Ghanaian economy.”
The suspects were arraigned before the Achimota Circuit Court on April 28, 2025, and have been remanded into the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). Their next court appearance is scheduled for May 12, 2025.
Meanwhile, GoldBod reiterated its April 30, 2025, deadline for all foreigners in the gold trading sector to exit the market, and emphasized that all gold transactions must be done in Ghana cedis at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.
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