Hyderabad: How RGI Airport Police busted all-women cartel involved in iPhones smuggling from UAE

Hyderabad: RGI Airport Police busted a major cartel on Monday when they arrested five women who were trying to smuggle 10 high-end iPhones into India without declaring them to Customs authorities.

RGI Airport Police Outpost intercepted a group of five women who were traveling from Ras-Al-Khaimah (UAE) to Hyderabad on Flight No. 6E-1496, which landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 7:30 AM on March 17.

The officers received reliable information around 7:00 AM and immediately deployed a team, including sufficient female personnel, to monitor the arrival of the flight.

Upon noticing the five women with suspicious baggage in the International Arrival Exit area, the officers observed their attempt to take an alternate route to evade detection.

Swift action by the police led to the arrest of the women. They were taken to a nearby cabin for questioning. Upon investigation, the women were found to be carrying 10 iPhones (iPhone 16 Pro Max, gold color), hidden in their luggage. Two phones were found in each of their handbags, with an additional 10 phone boxes hidden in two of their checked-in baggage.

During questioning, the women could not provide any purchase receipts or proof of legitimate ownership. Further investigation revealed that the phones had been purchased in Ras-Al-Khaimah at a discounted price of approximately Rs. 90,000 each, to sell them in India at a higher price, thereby evading taxes and defrauding exchequer.

The women involved in this illegal activity have been identified as:

1. Rizwana Begum* (37 years, Housewife) – Passport No. X8772870 2.

2. Saba Khanam* (25 years, Beautician) – Passport No. C4023550 3.

3. Oamar Begum* (60 years, Housewife) – Passport No. P5323966

4. Surriya Khanam* (55 years, Housewife) – Passport No. Y2164758

5. Layeeaunnisa* (55 years, Housewife) – Passport No. C8410905

The seized phones, along with their corresponding boxes, have been secured as evidence. The total value of the smuggled goods is under investigation. Legal action is being initiated against the accused for evading taxes and smuggling goods into the country.

A case has been registered at RGIA PS, under sections 318(4) and 112(1) of the BNS. The investigation is currently underway, and the individuals involved in the case will be examined. Legal action will be initiated against them as per the provisions of the law.