Rameez sent money for wood trade in name of mask exporting

Kochi: Gold smuggling case accused Rameez sent the money for wood trade from South Africa to Dubai in the name of exporting masks. About 2 lakh masks were sent in a foreign naval ship that came to repatriate their citizens stranded in Kochi due to lockdown. The masks were exported using a hastily issued bill. It is suspected that the money for wood trade was sent along with this.

The Customs obtained these details after interrogating Rameez who is already in custody. They also came to know about three partners from the details given by Rameez. Jalal who surrendered before the Customs earlier is suspected to have involvement in this deal also.

Wood is traded from Dubai to Kerala, especially to Muvattupuzha. One share of the amount spent for buying wood was given through hawala transactions. The accused tried to send this amount in the name of exporting masks. The Customs has summoned another person from Muvattupuzha in connection with this deal. As they showed a larger prize for the masks, it led to suspicion.