ED Seizes Luxury Cars from Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in Smuggling Probe

ED raids Residences of Top Actors in Luxury Car Smuggling Probe

Kochi, Kerala – October 8, 2025 – Teh Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted large-scale raids across Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, focusing on allegations of illicit luxury vehicle imports and associated financial irregularities.

Investigation Targets High-End Vehicle Syndicate

A total of 17 locations were searched, including the homes and business premises of acclaimed film stars Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, along wiht businessperson Amit Chakkalakkal, automobile workshops, and vehicle owners.The operation spanned across multiple cities including Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam, and Coimbatore.

Raids Follow Earlier Customs Seizures

These searches are a follow-up to prior operations conducted by the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi, on September 23, 2025. Those earlier raids resulted in the seizure of 37 high-value, pre-owned cars suspected of being smuggled from Bhutan over several years, with an additional three vehicles confiscated in the days following.

Authorities allege a well-organized network was involved in the illegal importation and registration of luxury vehicles – including models like land Cruiser, Defender, and Maserati – utilizing routes through Bhutan and Nepal.

Allegations of Forged Documents and Fraudulent Registrations

Investigations have revealed a system reportedly employing forged documents, purportedly issued by the Indian Army, the US Embassy, and the Ministry of External Affairs. These documents were allegedly used to facilitate fraudulent registrations through Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in states like Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The vehicles were then sold to affluent individuals, including those in the entertainment industry, at prices below market value.

FEMA Violations at the Heart of the Case

The ED initiated its investigation based on evidence suggesting violations of Sections 3, 4, and 8 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). These violations pertain to unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and the potential use of ‘hawala’ channels for cross-border financial movements.

‘Numkhor’ Operation and Ongoing Investigation

The Customs operation, codenamed ‘Numkhor’ – meaning “vehicle” in Bhutanese – was launched after irregularities were identified in the Ministry of road Transport and Highways database concerning 150 to 200 vehicles. Authorities are meticulously tracing financial trails and identifying all individuals connected to this alleged illicit network.

During the searches, vehicles registered to Dulquer Salmaan and Amit Chakkalakkal were seized. While officials visited Prithviraj Sukumaran’s residence, no vehicles were confiscated from his property.

Dulquer Salmaan has filed a petition with the Kerala High Court seeking the release of his seized vehicles. The court has directed him to first petition the adjudicating authority under the customs Act regarding the release of one of his SUVs.

Key Figure	Role in Investigation
Dulquer Salmaan	Vehicles seized; Legal challenge filed for release.
Prithviraj Sukumaran	Residence searched; No vehicles seized.
Amit Chakkalakkal	Vehicles seized; involved in the investigation.

Understanding FEMA and Smuggling Regulations

The Foreign Exchange management Act (FEMA) is a crucial piece of legislation in India designed to regulate foreign exchange transactions. Smuggling, on the other hand, carries significant penalties under the Customs Act, potentially including imprisonment and significant fines. The increasing sophistication of smuggling operations highlights the need for enhanced border controls and international cooperation to combat financial crime. Learn more about FEMA from the Reserve Bank of India.

Did You Know? the global market for illicit financial flows is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars annually, with vehicle smuggling being a significant component.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the main allegation in this luxury car smuggling case? The primary allegation is the illegal import of high-end vehicles from Bhutan and Nepal, coupled with unauthorized foreign exchange transactions.
• Which actors have been implicated in the investigation? Dulquer Salmaan and prithviraj Sukumaran are currently under investigation,with vehicles seized from Salmaan and his residence searched.
• What is FEMA and why is it relevant to this case? FEMA regulates foreign exchange transactions in India; violations of this act are suspected due to unauthorized financial dealings linked to the smuggling operation.
• What was the ‘Numkhor’ operation? ‘Numkhor,’ which means “vehicle” in Bhutanese, was the name given to the Customs operation to identify and seize illegally imported vehicles.
• What happens if the accused are found guilty? Those convicted under FEMA and the Customs Act could face imprisonment, substantial fines, and the forfeiture of seized assets.

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What specific financial irregularities is the ED attempting to establish through the seizure of Dulquer Salmaan’s Porsche and vintage car collection?

The Recent Enforcement Directorate Action

On October 8, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches and seized luxury vehicles belonging to prominent Malayalam film actors Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran as part of an ongoing examination into a gold smuggling case. This action has sent ripples through the Malayalam film industry (Mollywood) and sparked critically important public interest. The investigation centers around alleged links to individuals previously implicated in the Kerala gold smuggling scandal, a high-profile case that surfaced in 2020.

Details of the Seized Vehicles

While the exact number and models of vehicles seized haven’t been fully disclosed, reports confirm the ED took possession of several high-end cars from both actors.

* Dulquer Salmaan: Sources indicate the seizure included a Porsche and a vintage car collection. The ED is investigating whether these assets were acquired using funds linked to the smuggling operation.

* Prithviraj Sukumaran: Reports suggest the ED seized a Lamborghini and other luxury vehicles owned by prithviraj. The investigation is focused on determining the source of funds used for these purchases.

The ED has stated the seizures are temporary and are part of the process to establish any potential financial irregularities. These assets will be under ED control pending the outcome of the investigation. The term “provisional attachment” is often used in such cases, meaning the ED believes these assets are proceeds of crime.

The Connection to the Kerala Gold Smuggling Scandal

The current investigation stems from the larger Kerala gold smuggling case, which involved the smuggling of gold through diplomatic channels. Key individuals involved in that scandal are now being investigated for potential money laundering and other financial crimes.

The ED believes that funds generated from the gold smuggling operation were used to invest in various ventures, including the purchase of luxury vehicles and other assets.The agency is examining financial transactions and connections between the actors and individuals implicated in the original smuggling case.Specifically, investigators are looking into potential instances of:

1. Financial Transactions: Scrutinizing bank statements and financial records for suspicious activity.
2. Benami Properties: Investigating whether assets were purchased in the names of others to conceal ownership.
3. Investment Patterns: analyzing investment portfolios for unusual or unexplained wealth accumulation.

Actors’ Responses and Legal Standpoint

Both Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran have issued statements through their legal representatives,asserting their innocence and full cooperation with the investigation.

* Dulquer Salmaan’s Statement: His legal team stated that he has no involvement in the gold smuggling case and that the vehicles were purchased through legitimate means. They are prepared to provide all necessary documentation to the ED.

* Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Statement: similarly, Prithviraj’s representatives emphasized his innocence and willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities. They maintain that all his assets were acquired legally and transparently.

Both actors have engaged legal counsel specializing in economic offenses and are preparing to challenge the ED’s actions in court if necessary. The legal battle is expected to focus on the validity of the seizures and the evidence presented by the ED. Key legal arguments will likely revolve around establishing a direct link between the actors and the proceeds of the alleged crime.

Impact on the Malayalam Film industry (Mollywood)

The ED’s action has sent shockwaves through Mollywood. This incident raises concerns about the potential for financial irregularities within the industry and the scrutiny that actors and other stakeholders may face.

* Reputational Damage: The association with a high-profile smuggling case can damage the reputations of the actors involved.

* Project Delays: Ongoing film projects involving Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran may face delays due to the investigation.

* Increased Scrutiny: The incident is likely to lead to increased scrutiny of financial transactions within the Malayalam film industry.

Industry analysts predict that this case could prompt greater transparency and stricter financial regulations within Mollywood. The Kerala Film Producers Association has yet to release an official statement, but sources indicate they are monitoring the situation closely.

Understanding the ED’s Powers and Procedures

The Enforcement Directorate is a financial investigation agency responsible for enforcing economic laws in India. Under the prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED has the power to:

* Conduct Searches: Search premises and seize assets believed to be proceeds of crime.

* Arrest Individuals: Arrest individuals suspected of money laundering or other financial crimes.

* Attach Assets: Provisional attachment of assets to prevent their disposal.

* file Chargesheets: File chargesheets in court to prosecute offenders.

The ED’s investigation follows a specific procedure, including issuing summons, recording statements, and gathering evidence. The agency is required to adhere to legal protocols and ensure due process is followed.Any seized assets remain under ED control until a court decides on their final disposition.

Related Search Terms & Keywords

* Kerala Gold Smuggling Case

* ED investigation

* Dulquer Salmaan News

* Prithviraj Sukumaran News

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