Luxury Cars and Fake Seals: Are Raids in Kerala Uncovering a Massive Smuggling Ring?
A high-stakes operation by Customs sleuths in Kerala, codenamed "Operation Numkhor," has sent shockwaves through the state's elite circles. The operation, which involved raids on more than 30 locations, including the homes of stars like Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, has led to the seizure of 36 high-end vehicles. The shocking discovery of forged seals from the Indian Army and the US Embassy on some of the documents has raised a chilling question: is this just the tip of the iceberg of a far more extensive and sophisticated smuggling network?
The Modus Operandi of a Criminal Network
The raids were launched based on intelligence that high-value, second-hand luxury cars were being illegally imported into India from Bhutan. The smugglers' method was elaborate and audacious. Vehicles were reportedly bought at low prices and then either driven into India disguised as tourist vehicles or brought in as completely knocked-down parts. Once across the border, they were registered using forged documents, including fake names, seals, and insignia of prestigious institutions like the Indian Army and foreign embassies.
This web of deception wasn't limited to physical documents; officials also flagged potential data tampering on the Parivahan website, with some vehicles appearing to be registered years before their actual manufacturing date. The sheer scale and complexity of the operation suggest a well-organized syndicate, not just a few rogue individuals. Customs officials believe that this network, based in Coimbatore, is also involved in other illegal activities, including the smuggling of drugs and gold.
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