The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is carrying out search operations under FEMA provisions at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu in connection with an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of high-end luxury vehicles and unauthorised foreign exchange dealings.

The searches target residences and establishments of Malayalam film stars Prithviraj, Dulquer Salman, and Amith Chackalacal, as well as vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam, and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), ED sources said.

The searches are based on inputs about a syndicate engaged in illegal import and registration of high-end cars such as Land Cruiser, Defender, and Maserati through the India-Bhutan and India-Nepal routes.

Preliminary findings have revealed a Coi

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