Enforcement Directorate Searches Premises of Film Stars Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Others in Car Smuggling Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at multiple locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, including properties linked to Malayalam actors Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Amit Chakkalackal. These searches are part of an ongoing investigation into a luxury car smuggling racket involving the illegal import of high-end vehicles from Bhutan and Nepal.
The ED's operation spanned 17 premises across several districts, including Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kottayam in Kerala, as well as Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The searches targeted residences, establishments of the film stars, vehicle owners, automobile workshops, and traders suspected to be involved in the illegal activities. One property in Chennai, linked to veteran actor Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan's father, was also searched. However, officials clarified that the search at Mammootty's location was connected to the case involving his son.
The ED's action follows a recent case unearthed by the Customs Department regarding the alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles and unauthorized foreign exchange dealings. The investigation revealed a syndicate engaged in the illegal import and registration of high-end cars, such as Land Cruisers, Defenders, and Maseratis, through the India-Bhutan and India-Nepal routes.
According to sources, the agency suspects that a Coimbatore-based network used forged documents, purportedly from the Indian Army, US Embassy, and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), to obtain fraudulent RTO registrations in states like Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. These vehicles were then allegedly sold to high-net-worth individuals, including film personalities, at undervalued prices.
The ED suspects violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), citing unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and cross-border payments through hawala channels. The agency is expected to file a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to further investigate the allegations.
Earlier last month, Customs officials seized Dulquer Salmaan's Land Rover Defender as part of "Operation Numkhor," targeting tax evasion and illegally imported vehicles. The Kerala High Court has directed Dulquer to approach the adjudicating authority under the Customs Act for the vehicle's provisional release.
On September 23, 2025, the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi, conducted raids at over 30 locations, seizing 37 "high-value second-hand cars" suspected to have been smuggled from Bhutan. Some of these vehicles were allegedly used to smuggle gold and drugs.
The ED's investigation is ongoing, with officials tracing the money trail, beneficiary network, and foreign exchange movement.
