Secret Cash Stash! $400,000 (₹3.5 Crore) Discovered Inside Books of 3 Students at Pune Airport

Pune (The Uttam Hindu): A massive hawala racket was busted at Pune Airport after customs officials seized $400,100 (₹3.5 crore) hidden between the pages of books in the bags of three students returning from Dubai. The students, unaware of the hidden foreign currency, revealed that the bags belonged to Pune-based travel agent Khushbu Agarwal, who had handed them over at the last minute, claiming they contained office documents.

Customs Operation Unveils Smuggling Racket

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Pune Customs Department intercepted the students after receiving a tip-off about a large quantity of US dollars being smuggled out of India. Upon their return from Dubai on February 17 via a SpiceJet flight their luggage was thoroughly checked, leading to the shocking discovery.

Further investigations exposed a well-organized hawala network. The authorities detained Khushbu Agarwal and recorded her statement under the Customs Act. Following her interrogation, officials traced the source of the US dollars to a forex firm in Mumbai’s Fort area. A raid at the firm resulted in the seizure of foreign currency worth ₹45 lakh and the arrest of Mohammed Aamir, who was supplying the illegal money.

Multi-City Raids Uncover Wider Network

Simultaneous raids were conducted at 10 locations across Pune, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, exposing a deep-rooted hawala network. Officials are now investigating potential links to a larger international money laundering operation.

This major cash seizure has once again highlighted the growing concern of foreign currency smuggling through unsuspecting passengers at Indian airports. Authorities have urged travelers to remain cautious and avoid carrying unknown packages or luggage for others.