Inside Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling operation: Africa, Dubai, and a Rs 2 crore early setback

Investigations reveal that Rao and Konduru built an organised cross-border network that originated from attempts to procure gold from Africa

• Ranya Rao smuggled 127 kg gold from Africa to Dubai and India
• ED seized 14.2 kg gold worth Rs 12.56 crore at Bengaluru airport
• Rs 34 crore assets attached amid ongoing laundering probe

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Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling operation, which stretched from Africa to Dubai and India, reportedly began with an initial loss of Rs 2 crore. However, the actor and her accomplices went on to generate over Rs 100 crore within a year.

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet in a Bengaluru court in connection with a money laundering case, naming Rao along with her alleged associate Tarun Konduru and Bellary-based gold dealer Sahil Sakariya Jain. The case surfaced after Rao was arrested at Bengaluru airport upon her arrival from Dubai, with officials seizing 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at Rs 12.56 crore from her.

Probe details reveal failed initial deal before smuggling network expanded

Investigations reveal that Rao and Konduru built an organised cross-border network that originated from attempts to procure gold from Africa, according to an NDTV report. The plan took shape after they were informed that a large share of Dubai’s gold market is supplied by African mines. This prompted them to establish Veera Diamonds Trading LLC in Dubai and explore sourcing options in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

As per the report, they entered into a trial agreement with a Ugandan agent named Ben for 5 kg of gold, with a larger 50 kg contract contingent on successful delivery. The duo paid $25,000 (approximately Rs 23.5 lakh) upfront, along with two additional payments of Rs 9.4 lakh each for taxes and related charges, but the shipment never materialised.

In January 2024, Konduru travelled to Uganda’s capital, Kampala, where he was shown gold at a refinery and asked for an additional Rs 1.7 crore to release it. The duo soon realised they had fallen victim to a scam, incurring losses of more than Rs 2 crore.

From Deira Gold Souk to Bengaluru: How Rao allegedly smuggled 127 kg of gold 

The duo later turned to African dealers in Dubai’s Deira Gold Souk, carrying out transactions strictly in cash. Rao would personally take large sums of money to procure the gold, while Konduru submitted fraudulent customs declarations claiming the shipments were destined for countries like Switzerland or Thailand, the NDTV report further stated.

However, instead of being exported, the gold was collected by Rao at Dubai airport, concealed, and smuggled into India. Between March 2024 and March 2025, she reportedly made about 15 trips between Dubai to India, bringing in 127.87 kg of gold worth nearly Rs 102 crore. The gold was subsequently distributed to jewellers and intermediaries in India.

Authorities allege she avoided checks at Bengaluru airport due to her connection as the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, enabling her to bypass customs through VIP channels. The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets exceeding Rs 34 crore and is continuing a detailed probe into the operation.