**ED Summons Dulquer Salmaan in Luxury Car Smuggling Case**
*By Shreya Mukherjee | Oct 08, 2025, 05:11 PM*
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan in connection with the recent seizure of three high-end pre-owned SUVs by Customs. This summons is part of *Operation Numkhor*, which targets high-value vehicles suspected of being smuggled from Bhutan.
According to reports from *The Hindu*, two Land Rover Defenders and a Nissan Patrol registered to Dulquer Salmaan have been seized. The actor will be questioned regarding transactions related to these vehicles.
### Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Dulquer Salmaan approached the Kerala High Court seeking the release of his seized vehicles. On Tuesday, the court directed him to approach the adjudicating authority under the Customs Act for one of his high-end SUVs.
This legal development unfolds amid ongoing investigations into alleged smuggling and unauthorized foreign exchange transactions linked to the import of luxury pre-owned vehicles.
### Raids Conducted by Enforcement Directorate
Since Wednesday morning, the ED has been carrying out raids under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These raids are part of a broader probe into the suspected smuggling of high-end pre-owned luxury vehicles and related unauthorized foreign exchange dealings.
The locations raided include residences and establishments associated with film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Dulquer Salmaan, Dulquer’s father Mammootty, and Amit Chakkalakkal.
### Ongoing Investigations and Background
These ED raids follow a prior Customs operation conducted on September 23 by the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi. During that operation, more than 30 locations were searched statewide, resulting in the seizure of 37 high-value second-hand cars suspected to have been smuggled from Bhutan over recent years. An additional three vehicles were confiscated in the days that followed.
The Customs investigation was launched based on a flagged list of 150-200 vehicles showing irregularities in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways database.
### Syndicate Exposed
Preliminary findings indicate involvement of a Coimbatore-based network engaged in the illegal import and registration of luxury cars such as Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, and Maserati using Indo-Bhutan and Nepal routes. These vehicles were reportedly sold to high-net-worth buyers, including film celebrities, at undervalued prices.
The Enforcement Directorate’s actions stem from prima facie violations of Sections 3, 4, and 8 of FEMA concerning unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and cross-border payments processed through hawala channels.
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*The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case develops.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/ed-investigates-dulquer-salmaan-in-car-smuggling-case/story
