Mumbai‑based jewellery exporter Dharmesh Sangani, a film producer linked to Shekhar Suman, was caught at Heathrow with 7.4 kg of undeclared gold jewellery. The Enforcement Directorate’s sweeping probe uncovered hidden foreign firms and offshore accounts across Canada, the UAE and the US.

Key Takeaways

  • Dharmesh Sangani intercepted at Heathrow with 7.412 kg of concealed gold jewellery.
  • ED’s raid revealed undisclosed companies and bank accounts in Canada, UAE and the United States.
  • Customs authorities in the US and UK are probing potential links to Indian export consignments.

Dharmesh Sangani, proprietor of Mumbai‑based jewellery exporter Kalanee Impex Pvt Ltd and co‑founder of the Shekhar Suman Film Academy, was stopped by the UK Border Force on September 4, 2016. A 2019 First‑tier Tribunal judgment confirmed that 7.412 kg of gold jewellery, hidden on his person and in his wife’s handbag, was seized after customs officers discovered a massive discrepancy between declared and actual weight.

Background and Legal Context

The tribunal noted that Sangani initially claimed he had nothing more to declare, later admitting a “mistake” and seeking restitution. The tribunal dismissed his appeal in May 2019, concluding that the under‑declaration was intentional, not a mere administrative error.

ED’s Recent Raids

On July 12, 2026, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at Sangani’s premises, uncovering evidence of undisclosed foreign entities – KGN Ventures Canada Inc., Dubai‑based Hiramandi Events & Mgmt LLC, and US‑registered GBM Ventures LLC. The agency also recovered foreign credit/debit cards and documents pointing to offshore assets. During the raid, Sangani allegedly tried to destroy digital evidence by throwing his mobile phone from a 13th‑floor window; the device was later retrieved and seized.

International Customs Scrutiny

Both US Customs and Border Protection and the UK Border Force have opened parallel investigations into transactions tied to Sangani. In June 2025, US customs seized a jewellery consignment worth roughly $3.05 million on suspicion of smuggling and counterfeit trademark violations. The ED is now examining whether that consignment originated from Kalanee Impex.

Implications for Exporters

Investigators allege that export proceeds worth crores of rupees were not realised within the permissible period under FEMA and RBI regulations, with payments sometimes routed through third‑party entities rather than the declared overseas buyers. Such practices, if proven, could trigger severe penalties for violations of foreign exchange laws.

Overall, the case underscores the heightened vigilance of Indian enforcement agencies against cross‑border smuggling and financial irregularities, especially when high‑profile personalities are involved.