Faizal Fareed, the third accused in the gold smuggling case was arrested from Dubai in United Arab Emirates on July 19. The Dubai Police took Fareed into custody on Thursday. He is being questioned at the Al Rashidiya Police Station in Dubai.
The Dubai Police is expected to hand over Faizal to India very soon. The NIA had got an Interpol Blue Corner notice issued against Faizal Fareed.
According to reports, Fareed has arranged for the gold that was smuggled through the diplomatic channel into Kerala. Faizal is believed to have connections with Islamist outfits-based in Kerala that led the anti-CAA protests. A section of media had reported in favour of Fareed, projecting him a victim of ‘fake news and whitewashing his ‘business’ in UAE.
Permitting NIA probe in the case, MHA Spokesperson had stated that the organised smuggling operation may have ‘serious implications’ for national security. The NIA has also maintained in the court that the purpose of the smuggling was to fund terrorism.
Swapna Suresh and P S Sarith Kumar, two former employees of the consulate, are the first and second accused in the case. Sandeep Nair is the fourth accused.
