The GoldBod Taskforce has uncovered and dismantled a major gold smuggling operation, leading to the arrest of three individuals, while four others remain at large. The syndicate, known as the Rafmoh Gold Smuggling Syndicate, is believed to have smuggled more than 100kg of gold worth GHS 120 million across the Togo border.
The Press Conference
The revelations were made during a press conference held by GoldBod in Accra. Addressing the media, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of GoldBod, confirmed the arrests and outlined the extensive operations of the syndicate.
According to him, a timely tip-off exposed how some foreigners were in cahoots with licensed gold traders, funding them to facilitate the smuggling of gold across borders.
The Arrests
On August 27, the GoldBod Taskforce intercepted a courier vehicle and discovered 9.8kg of gold concealed inside. This interception confirmed suspicions of an elaborate international smuggling ring.
Those arrested include:
Abdul Razak, employee of Abdul Karim, accountant at Rafmoh Gold Limited
Bernard Nkrumah, owner of NK Bernak Business Enterprise (a licensed trader)
Aremeyaw, a close associate linked to the syndicate
All three were granted bail but remain in custody after failing to meet bail conditions.
The Mastermind
The alleged mastermind behind the syndicate is Mohammed Nandoli Rafeeq, alias Salam, owner of Rafmoh Gold Limited. His associates include:
Sadique Abubakari
Abdul Karim – accountant
Muhammed Afsal Puthalan – manager
Suspects at Large
Four key figures remain on the run:
Abdul Karim
Muhammed Afsal Puthalan
Sadique Abubakari
Rafiq Mohammed
A GHS 1 million bounty has been placed on their arrest. Members of the public with information are urged to call 0800444653.
Crackdown Measures
Mr. Gyamfi further disclosed that Bernak Business Enterprise and Rafmoh Gold Jewelry, both linked to the smuggling network, have been shut down.
He noted that apart from gold smuggling, the syndicate was also engaged in illegal foreign exchange businesses, exchanging cedis for dollars and moving funds offshore to Dubai.
Prosecution
The suspects will face multiple charges, including:
Facilitating gold smuggling
Attempting to smuggle gold
Unauthorized gold trading
Illegal foreign exchange dealings
Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that GoldBod is working to obtain the necessary fiat to prosecute the suspects, vowing that the crackdown on illegal gold trade will continue.
