In a sudden development today the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at a property connected to Malayalam superstar Mammootty on Greenways Road Chennai. The operation involving eight ED officers accompanied by CRPF personnel specifically targeted the premises of Wayfare Films the actor’s production company according to several media reports. Why is the ED targeting film stars?The Chennai raid is part of a broader investigation being coordinated by the ED’s Kochi Zonal Office. Over the past few days authorities have carried out searches at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The investigation focuses on the alleged smuggling of high-end luxury vehicles and unauthorised foreign exchange transactions. Several prominent film personalities are reportedly linked to the probe including actors Prithviraj Sukumaran Dulquer Salmaan and Amith Chakalakkal. Authorities have also searched residences business establishments auto workshops and the offices of vehicle traders in Ernakulam Thrissur Kozhikode Malappuram Kottayam and Coimbatore. What are the allegations?Preliminary findings suggest that a Coimbatore-based network used forged documents to claim connections with the Indian Army the US Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs. This group allegedly managed to register luxury vehicles fraudulently in states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. These vehicles were then reportedly sold at heavily discounted rates to high-net-worth individuals including film celebrities. How are film personalities involved?While the ED has not publicly accused any celebrities of wrongdoing the raids at properties associated with top actors indicate that the investigation is focusing on the end buyers of these vehicles. Authorities are examining records to determine whether the purchases were legitimate or part of the alleged network’s fraudulent operations. What’s next in the investigation?The ED is continuing its probe across multiple states and further raids may be conducted based on evidence gathered from these locations. Officials are examining documents bank records and vehicle registrations to establish the extent of the network and any involvement of high-profile individuals. Highlights: ED raids Mammootty’s Chennai-based production house Wayfare Films in a luxury car smuggling case. Searches carried out at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu including properties linked to Prithviraj and Dulquer. Investigation points to a Coimbatore-based network using forged documents to sell luxury vehicles to celebrities at undervalued prices.