In a far-reaching, day-long series of raids conducted across more than 30 locations statewide, including the homes of prominent film personalities, the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate in Kochi successfully seized 36 high-value second-hand luxury vehicles. These cars are suspected to have been smuggled into India from Bhutan over the past several years.
The intricate operation, aptly named “Numkhor” (which means “vehicle” in the Bhutanese language), saw dedicated Customs teams deployed across Kerala. Their efforts were guided by a meticulously compiled list of 150 to 200 vehicles, all flagged for suspicious irregularities within the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways database. Authorities believe these vehicles were funneled into Kerala through a well-established smuggling ring operating out of Coimbatore.
This massive undertaking received crucial support from the Motor Vehicles Department, the Anti-Terrorist Squad, and the Kerala Police. Among the confiscated vehicles were several owned by acclaimed actors Dulquer Salman and Amit Chakkalackal. While officials also visited actor Prithviraj’s residence in Kochi, no vehicles were found to be in violation there.
According to T. Tiju, Commissioner of the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi, these luxury cars were likely smuggled using three primary methods. Some were brought in as completely knocked-down kits, others hidden within shipping containers, and a portion were allegedly driven across the porous Indo-Bhutan border using fabricated permits intended for tourists entering India.
Investigations revealed that the criminal syndicate went to great lengths, reportedly forging official documents. They brazenly replicated the names, seals, and insignia of esteemed institutions such as the Indian Army, Indian and American embassies, and even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fraudulently register these vehicles within India.
Even more alarming, intelligence agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have previously intercepted illegal goods, including gold and narcotics, being trafficked using such smuggled vehicles. This pattern poses a grave threat to both national and economic security. The recent raids also unearthed suspicions of widespread money laundering and significant Goods and Services Tax evasion. When pressed on the possibility of these illicit proceeds funding terror activities, Mr. Tiju confirmed that this serious angle would be thoroughly investigated.
A crucial vulnerability in the system was the Parivahan portal, which appeared to have been compromised. This manipulation, potentially through hacking or the involvement of insider moles within the racket, allowed for fraudulent registrations. For instance, one vehicle manufactured in 2014 was inexplicably registered under a first owner in 2005. Such discrepancies, observed across various Regional Transport Offices in multiple states, raise troubling questions about potential collusion with government officials.
Indian law strictly prohibits the import of second-hand vehicles, with a single exception: the Transfer of Residence (TR) provision. This clause allows individuals to import vehicles they have owned and used for three years or more, provided a hefty 160% duty is paid. Experts believe that the relatively low import duties in Bhutan, coupled with the ease of crossing the Indo-Bhutan border, made this route highly attractive for the smugglers.
Mr. Tiju emphasized the stringent measures ahead: “Owners of all seized vehicles are now required to furnish valid documentation. Failure to comply could lead to severe legal repercussions, including arrest under the Customs Act. The severity of action will depend on whether individuals were deliberately involved in the illicit activity. It’s clear that many high-net-worth individuals who acquired these vehicles lack legitimate financial trails or proper supporting documents.”