China Detains 21 Indians for Allegedly Smuggling Diamonds

Nearly 21 Indians have been arrested by Chinese custom officials in the southern city of Shenzen on charge of smuggling diamonds, said media reports.

BBC reported that the persons arrested were allegedly working as ‘carriers’ for an outfit involved in smuggling diamonds from Hong Kong to China.

The Indian foreign ministry was quoted as saying that Indian consular officers were likely to be granted access to the detained persons.

The report said that many jewelers in Shenzen hire Indians to source supplies.

Citing local reports, BBC said that custom officials had carried out a raid last week after a probe into a local smuggling ring.

Following the raid, some 33 foreigners, including 21 Indians, were arrested.