Bail petition of international car broker Alex dismissed

The Madras High Court today dismissed the bail petition of international car broker Alex C Joseph, who allegedly violated provisions while importing luxury cars.
The CBI contended that Joseph, in 2008 by using the names of certain NRIs imported luxury cars and duped the Union government of Rs 48.40 crore.
The agency contended that he had colluded with an Intelligence officer in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, who submitted incorrect information on the sale made by Joseph to several big personalities including high profile politicians.
The CBI said the accused had taken advantage of the Centre's "Scheme of transfer of Residence" and brought many luxury cars to India in the name of coolies, room boys, and drivers working abroad, causing Rs 48.40 crore loss.

He was arrested by CBI from a star hotel in Delhi and brought to Chennai on February 3, 2014 and remanded in judicial custody.
Counsel for the accused argued that the number of luxury cars imported mentioned in the FIR was not correct and that prosecution was launched five years after the offence was committed in 2008. This was against Section 28 of Customs Act.

Justice P Devadass, who denied bail, said, "The petitioner has bad antecedents. He is involved in many cases registered by customs, DRI and state Police, Hyderabad Police, Kerala Police and Coimbatore Police. He also obtained a fake Pass port in the name of Abey John.

"There is a strong prima facie case against the petitioner. He has strong connection in India and abroad. If he is let out on bail, possibility of getting him back is very difficult."
On February 3, Alex Joseph was remanded in judicial custody by the Principal Special Judge for CBI cases.
Joseph was evading arrest, ever since registration of the case against him and his multiple anticipatory bail petitions were rejected by the Madras High Court.
CBI had registered a case against DRI officials, Alex C Joseph and unknown others under various sections of IPC and the PCA in 2013 for allegedly importing luxury cars through Indian sea ports violating various provisions and thereby caused loss to the tune of Rs 48.40 crore to government.