CBI arrested Hyderabad-based businessman Alex Joseph in connection with alleged car import scam. Joseph was absconding after cases were registered for customs duty evasion for selling imported luxury cars .

After nearly 11 months long chase, CBI has arrested Hyderabad-based businessman Alex Joseph in connection with its probe in car import scam in which several high-end imported cars were sold to politicians and businessmen allegedly by evading customs duty.

The cars, allegedly imported by 52-year Joseph in connivance with officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, were allegedly sold to some big businessmen and politicians.

During 11-month long investigation, CBI had seized 33 luxury cars like Rolls Royce, Range Rover, Land Cruiser Prado, BMW, Merecedes Benz and Hummer.

CBI has alleged that Joseph imported high-end foreign cars for several years, permitted only on Transfer of Residence Rules under Customs Act.

After getting orders, he allegedly ordered cars at the foreign country with used car dealers and later consigned them in the names of Indian working class nationals being repatriated to India on cancellation of work permits .

Several cases have been registered against Joseph at various places in India by the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax, Customs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Kerala police.