Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: Sahil Jain's key role in Rs 40 crore gold and hawala network exposed

Sahil Jain, the third accused in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, has been found to have played a crucial role in a large-scale gold smuggling and hawala money laundering network. A report from India Today has revealed that Sahil Jain was actively involved in facilitating multiple illegal transactions. He reportedly helped Kannada actress Ranya Rao smuggle and dispose of significant amounts of gold while also transferring large sums of hawala money to Dubai.
High-value transactions and large-scale money transfers
As per the remand report, Sahil Jain was deeply involved in several high-value transactions and allegedly earned a commission of ₹55,000 per deal. In January 2025, he orchestrated the transfer of ₹30.34 lakh in hawala money to Ranya Rao in Bengaluru. That same month, he played a key role in disposing of 14.568 kg of smuggled gold valued at over ₹11.55 crore and arranged the transfer of ₹11 crore in hawala funds to Dubai. Additionally, another ₹55 lakh was transferred to Rao in the same period.
Continued involvement in gold disposal and hawala transfers
Sahil Jain’s illegal activities continued into February 2025, when he facilitated the disposal of another 13.433 kg of gold worth ₹11.80 crore. He was also involved in transferring ₹11.25 crore in hawala money to Dubai, along with an additional ₹55.81 lakh to Rao in Bengaluru. The total transactions uncovered so far include the disposal of 49.6 kg of gold worth ₹40.13 crore. Authorities have determined that ₹38.39 crore was funneled to Dubai through hawala networks, while ₹1.73 crore was transferred to Ranya Rao.
Judicial custody and ongoing investigation
During a raid at Ranya Rao’s residence on March 4, officials seized ₹2.67 crore in unaccounted cash, suspected to be proceeds from these smuggling activities. Investigators have also recovered crucial evidence from Sahil Jain’s two mobile phones and laptop, which could further establish his involvement in the smuggling and money laundering network. Given the severity of the allegations, the Special Court for Economic Offences has remanded Sahil Jain to judicial custody until April 7 as the probe continues.