Kochi, November 06: A Kerala-based man wanted by DRI for the past 11 years in connection with smuggling of over 450 luxury cars was today arrested from Hyderabad airport. Alex C Joseph was arrested by immigration officials from Hyderabad airport as he was about to board a flight to Dubai, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials here said.
He was travelling in the name of Aby John. DRI had booked cases against him in 1999-2000 after which he absconded. A lookout circular and detention order under Conservation Of Foreign Exchange And Prevention Of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) was passed in 2000.
Joseph used to smuggle high-end luxury cars using passports of Indians abroad using the ‘Transfer of Resident’ facility provided to NRIs who can bring in their used cars, officials said. During investigations, DRI found that most postal addresses given by the importee were fake.
Since the cars were being brought through the TR route, the customs duty was very less and they were later sold at between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1.25 crore.
A Kerala police team would soon leave for Hyderabad to bring him to the state. Joseph had smuggled the cars under different names from various ports, including Kochi. Evasion in duty is estimated to be about Rs 500 crore. He left for UAE immediately after the detention order and established his base in Sharjah and continued his smuggling activities, DRI officials said.