Chinese Nationals Detained at IGI Airport with Unaccounted Cash

Significant Security Breach at IGI Airport

A major incident has unfolded at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport due to the vigilance of security agencies. On Thursday evening, personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) apprehended three Chinese nationals who were found in possession of a substantial amount of unaccounted Indian currency. A total of ₹18.95 lakh was seized from the suspects, who were unable to provide any valid documentation or satisfactory explanations regarding the cash.

Due to violations of security protocols and suspicious circumstances, the three travelers have been handed over to the customs department for further legal action.

Discovery During Security Screening

According to a senior CISF official, the incident occurred around 4:30 PM on Thursday. The three Chinese citizens had arrived at the IGI Airport terminal to board a flight from Delhi to Shanghai.

During the security check, CISF personnel became suspicious of one passenger's luggage. Upon conducting a thorough search, they discovered ₹6 lakh in cash. When questioned about the source of the money and the necessary documentation for carrying such an amount, the passenger failed to provide satisfactory answers.

Investigation Uncovers More Suspects

Following the discovery of a large sum of cash with the first traveler, CISF promptly alerted customs officials due to the seriousness of the situation. Upon arrival, customs officers rigorously interrogated the detained passenger, who then revealed information about two other Chinese nationals traveling with him.

Customs officials quickly identified and detained the other two individuals present at the airport. A search of their belongings also yielded a significant amount of Indian currency, bringing the total cash seized from all three travelers to ₹18.95 lakh.

Flight Boarding Denied Due to Lack of Documentation

According to Indian aviation and customs regulations, carrying more than a specified amount of Indian or foreign currency on international flights requires proper declaration and valid banking documents.

An official stated, "None of the three Chinese travelers could provide proof of where the cash originated or why it was being taken to Shanghai. Due to the absence of necessary documentation for such a large sum, they were prevented from boarding the flight and were taken into custody."

Multiple Agencies Involved in Investigation

The customs department has detained the three Chinese nationals and confiscated the cash. Investigations are underway to determine:

Where the cash was sourced from within India?

Whether it is linked to illegal trade, hawala operations, or money laundering?

What type of visa these individuals entered India on and the extent of their activities here?

The CISF's proactive measures at IGI Airport have been commended for identifying this suspicious case in a timely manner. Currently, a case has been registered under the Customs Act, and security agencies are continuously interrogating the Chinese nationals.