KOCHI, OCTOBER 8, 2025: In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the Kerala film industry, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday launched a series of raids on the residences of superstars Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The action is part of a widening probe into a high-profile luxury car smuggling racket, dubbed the ‘Bhutan Car Scam’.
Simultaneous searches are underway at 17 locations across five districts in Kerala and in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The properties being raided include the new residence of Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan in Elamkulam, Kochi; Dulquer’s house in Chennai; and the homes of Prithviraj and actor Amith Chackalakkal. Residences and offices of several vehicle dealers are also being searched.
The ED’s action follows an earlier investigation by the Customs department. The probe centers on alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), with investigators suspecting illegal cross-border payments through Hawala channels.
What is the Bhutan Car Scam?
According to sources, the investigation targets a syndicate, believed to be based in Coimbatore, that illegally imports high-end luxury vehicles like the Land Cruiser and Defender from Bhutan and Nepal into India.
The syndicate’s modus operandi allegedly involved creating forged documents—claiming to be from the Indian Army, the US Embassy, and the Ministry of External Affairs—to evade taxes. These vehicles were then registered using fake RTO documents in states like Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh before being sold at discounted prices to prominent individuals, including film stars.
Background: Customs ‘Operation Numkhor’
The ED probe is a follow-up to an earlier investigation by the Customs department, codenamed ‘Operation Numkhor’, which resulted in the seizure of 33 luxury vehicles.
Previously, actor Dulquer Salmaan had approached the Kerala High Court seeking the release of his Land Rover, which was seized by Customs. However, the court declined to intervene, noting that the investigation was in its preliminary stages. Customs had also informed the court that two other vehicles belonging to the actor had been seized.
During those proceedings, the High Court had raised a pertinent question, asking how the final owner of a vehicle that has changed hands multiple times could be considered the primary culprit. The current ED raids aim to trace the money trail and uncover the larger conspiracy involving illegal foreign exchange.
