ED Raids Dulquer Salmaan, Mammootty Residences in Luxury Car Smuggling Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into a high-profile Bhutan vehicle smuggling racket, conducting raids at 17 locations, including the residences of prominent actors Dulquer Salmaan and Mammootty. Actor Prithvirajs name has also emerged in connection with the probe.
The preliminary investigation reveals a sophisticated network that allegedly imported luxury vehicles such as Land Cruiser, Defender, and Maserati from Bhutan and Nepal. These cars were reportedly brought into India using forged documents and fraudulent RTO registrations across states like Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Officials suspect that these vehicles were sold at undervalued prices to high net-worth individuals, including film personalities.
While the actors vehemently deny any involvement, Dulquer Salmaan's Land Cruiser was previously seized by agencies. The Kerala High Court had subsequently directed the vehicles release, questioning the grounds for its seizure.
The ED suspects prima facie violations of FEMA Sections 3, 4, and 8, pointing towards unauthorised foreign exchange transactions and hawala payments in this extensive smuggling operation. This latest ED action follows a Customs Department raid involving 30 locations just weeks prior.