`Hawala` operator held with foreign currency worth Rs 1.22 cr

New Delhi: An alleged hawala operator was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly trying to smuggle out foreign currency worth Rs 1.22 crore at international airport here. The accused, who is in his early twenties and hails from Delhi, was intercepted by custom officials after he crossed immigration counters to board a flight to Dubai.  On the examination of his checked in baggage, besides personal belongings three books were found-- two with the title `GATE Tutor 2014` and one comic book titled `Mahaan Indrajaal`. The books had special cavities carved in between the pages, a custom officials said.  "A total of six bundles each containing 10,000 USD was found to have been concealed in the cavities in each book. "A total of 18 bundles were recovered from the three books. Two more bundles, each containing 10,000 USD were also recovered from the pocket of a jeans trouser which was placed along with the books," he said. A total of 2,00,000 USD equivalent to Rs 1.22 crore were seized and the passenger was arrested, the official said. As per preliminary probe, the accused was acting as an alleged hawala operator. "Further investigation in the case was on," he said. As per norms, there is no cap on carrying foreign currency by an Indian national provided one gives a valid proof of its legal source, the official added.