The Kochi Zonal Office is conducting search operations under FEMA, 1999, on October 8, 2025, at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu in connection with the ongoing probe into the smuggling of high-end luxury vehicles and unauthorised foreign exchange dealings.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also covered 17 premises, including residences and establishments of film stars like Prithviraj, Dulquer Salman and Amith Chackalacal, certain vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam, and Coimbatore.

ED action was initiated as prima facie violations of Sections 3, 4, and 8 of FEMA were detected involving unauthorised foreign exchange transactions and cross-border payments through hawala channels. Further investigation is underway to trace the money trail, beneficiary network, and foreign exchange movement.