Azerbaijani diplomat caught in $6 million gold smuggling operation Security Service says

The State Security Service (SSS) of Azerbaijan is investigating an alleged criminal case involving Azerbaijani citizens implicated in smuggling and collaborating with foreign nationals.

During the investigation, strong suspicions emerged that Lieutenant Colonel Gahraman Mammadov, senior assistant to the Azerbaijani military attaché in the US, had conspired with Anar Gasimov and foreign nationals to smuggle gold bars from the UAE into Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports.

Mammadov, who holds diplomatic status, arrived in Türkiye from the United States on November 22, 2024. At Istanbul’s International Airport, he collected a suitcase containing a significant number of gold bars, which had been delivered there by Anar Gasimov from UAE.

Using his diplomatic passport and abusing his official powers, Mammadov intentionally evaded customs control and illegally transported the gold bars across the border.

Mammadov was detained by Turkish law enforcement officers while travelling by taxi to a hotel in Istanbul, where he was supposed to hand over the gold bars to Gasimov. Upon searching the suitcase, authorities discovered and seized 70 kilograms of gold bars, valued at nearly 10 million manats (over $ 6 million).

Additionally, another suitcase containing 14 kilograms of gold bars was found at the airport storage area. Anar Gasimov was also apprehended in Türkiye and is facing criminal charges.

An investigation has been launched against Gahraman Mammadov, and the Baku Military Court has chosen to place him under arrest pending further legal proceedings.

By Aghakazim Guliyev