NEW DELHI: An Indian man’s flight to Dubai turned into an unscheduled stop at a Zambian holding cell after he was caught with Rs 19.32 crore in cash and suspected gold worth Rs 4.15 crore tucked neatly inside his luggage.
The 27-year-old was intercepted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia, just before takeoff. The country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) said the man had carefully packed $2.32 million (yep, that’s 23,20,000 dollars) in crisp $100 bills, secured with rubber bands and hidden inside a suitcase. Alongside the money: seven gold pieces estimated to be worth $500,000 (around Rs 4 crore and counting).
Photos shared by Zambian media looked straight out of a heist film: bricks of cash jammed into a black bag, hidden inside a larger travel case, as if gold and dollars were just socks and toothpaste.
“Investigations are ongoing,” DEC said in a statement, issuing a warning to “those involved in trans-national organised crimes” that “the long arm of the law will catch up with them soon.”
Zambia may be rich in minerals like copper and gold, but over 60% of its population lives below the poverty line. That makes flashy seizures like this one headline material.
This isn’t Zambia’s first gold-and-cash airport story. In 2023, five Egyptians were arrested when their plane landed with 127 kilograms of gold and $5.7 million in cash. They flew home after espionage charges were dropped.
Meanwhile, our 27-year-old traveller may be spending some extra time in Lusaka. No connecting flight. No duty-free shopping. Just questions, statements, and a very long wait.
The 27-year-old was intercepted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia, just before takeoff. The country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) said the man had carefully packed $2.32 million (yep, that’s 23,20,000 dollars) in crisp $100 bills, secured with rubber bands and hidden inside a suitcase. Alongside the money: seven gold pieces estimated to be worth $500,000 (around Rs 4 crore and counting).
Photos shared by Zambian media looked straight out of a heist film: bricks of cash jammed into a black bag, hidden inside a larger travel case, as if gold and dollars were just socks and toothpaste.
“Investigations are ongoing,” DEC said in a statement, issuing a warning to “those involved in trans-national organised crimes” that “the long arm of the law will catch up with them soon.”
Zambia may be rich in minerals like copper and gold, but over 60% of its population lives below the poverty line. That makes flashy seizures like this one headline material.
This isn’t Zambia’s first gold-and-cash airport story. In 2023, five Egyptians were arrested when their plane landed with 127 kilograms of gold and $5.7 million in cash. They flew home after espionage charges were dropped.
Meanwhile, our 27-year-old traveller may be spending some extra time in Lusaka. No connecting flight. No duty-free shopping. Just questions, statements, and a very long wait.
You may also like
Russian Army raids evening gym class to force able-bodied men to enlist in Ukraine war
"Contempt proceedings should be initiated": RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slams BJP MP Nishikant Dubey over SC remarks
Nicola Peltz supports 'best friend' Brooklyn Beckham amid bitter family feud rumours
Long term plan to provide water straight from tap: Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma
Ronnie O'Sullivan lets feelings known on Kyren Wilson's performance against Lei Peifan
