ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana’s police and the newly established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) have intensified efforts to dismantle an illicit gold smuggling operation worth an estimated $100 million, launching a nationwide manhunt for four key suspects and offering a GH¢1 million bounty for information leading to their arrest.
The suspects, identified as Abdul Karim, Sadique Abubakar, Muhammed Afsal Puth Puthalan and Muhammed Nandoli Rafeeq, are believed to be part of a seven-member syndicate that has been illegally trading and exporting large quantities of gold, according to Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod. The operation, described by Gyamfi as the most elaborate smuggling ring uncovered since the board’s inception earlier this year, allegedly involved the unlicensed purchase and movement of over 100 kilograms of gold between June and August 2025, valued at more than GH¢120 million (about $7.7 million).
GoldBod announced the breakthrough on Tuesday during a press briefing in Accra, revealing that three other members of the syndicate—Indian nationals Goutam Katriya, Miraj Sarvaych and Manash Damani—were arrested last week following a tip-off to the board’s hotline. The trio, who were operating under the banner of Unique MM, a company allegedly linked to the smuggling network, appeared in court on September 5 and have been remanded into custody by an Accra circuit court. A fourth individual, identified only as Aremeyaw, was also detained in connection with the case.
Investigations point to Rafmol Gold Limited, owned by Muhammed Nandoli Rafeeq—also known by the alias “Salam”—as the mastermind behind the operation. The company, which lacks a license from GoldBod, is accused of financing the syndicate’s activities, including sourcing gold from unregulated miners and smuggling it out of Ghana to destinations such as Dubai, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. Two of the fugitives—Muhammed Nandoli Rafeeq and Muhammed Afsal Puth Puthalan—are Indian nationals, while Abdul Karim and Sadique Abubakar are Ghanaian.
“This syndicate represents a significant threat to Ghana’s economy and the integrity of our gold trade,” Gyamfi told reporters, emphasizing the board’s commitment to curbing illegal exports that deprive the country of vital revenue. GoldBod, established in 2025 to regulate the sector and boost exports through formal channels, has seized 8.5 kilograms of gold worth GH¢10 million at Winneba Junction as part of the probe.
The manhunt comes amid Ghana’s growing challenges with gold smuggling, fueled by record-high global prices that reached $3,500 per ounce earlier this year, making the resource a prime target for criminal networks. Authorities believe the suspects could be hiding in areas like Ashaiman, Amrahia, Tamale in northern Ghana, or abroad in Dubai, India or neighboring West African countries.
Public tips have been crucial to the arrests so far, and GoldBod urged citizens to come forward with information. “Any person with knowledge of the whereabouts of these individuals should contact the nearest police station or GoldBod’s head office at 1 Thorpe Road, Accra,” Gyamfi said, promising anonymity and the full bounty reward.
The case underscores broader efforts by the Ghanaian government to formalize its gold sector, which contributes about 95% of the country’s mineral exports but loses billions annually to smuggling. Successful prosecution could deter similar operations and enhance revenue collection, experts say.
On social media, the announcement drew quick attention, with broadcasters like Channel One TV and Citi FM highlighting the bounty and syndicate details in real-time updates. As the search continues, Ghana’s authorities are racing to capture the fugitives before they can regroup or flee further.
Keywords: Ghana gold smuggling, GoldBod manhunt, illegal gold trade, Abdul Karim wanted, Sadique Abubakar bounty, Muhammed Afsal Puth Puthalan, Muhammed Nandoli Rafeeq, Sammy Gyamfi
