Sarith's statement reveals UAE consul general is mastermind behind gold smuggling

Kochi: The gold smuggling case accused P S Sarith has given a statement against the UAE consul general. According to Sarith’s statement given to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), it was the UAE consul general who prepared the plan for gold smuggling and implemented it. Gold was smuggled to Kerala through diplomatic channel during 2017-18.

Sarith revealed in the statement that he did not disclose the name of the consul general as he had promised to protect the latter if he is caught. Sarith’s statement is against UAE consul general Jamal Hussain Al Zaabi.

It was disclosed that the consul general and accountant Khalid were the key conspirators behind the gold smuggling through diplomatic channel. Also Sarith revealed that both of them had smuggled gold several times during 2017-18.

When accountant Khalid used to work with Sarith in the consulate in Vietnam, he had smuggled tobacco and gold in the same way. Sarith further stated that Khalid had asked him if there was any chance to earn more money in Kerala.

As per Sarith’s statement, the consul general used to smuggle gold through Thiruvananthapuram airport with the help of a UAE native woman. Sarith also said that he did not reveal the names of the consul general and woman as they assured him job and accommodation in UAE, if caught by the authorities.