A total of 13 imported cars have been seized by the department from Mumbai and Delhi which were brought in through this route. Investigations indicated that in all 34 cars have been imported by Tandon and his cohorts.

Under the TR Concessions of Baggage Rules, an Indian can import a foreign car, provided he or she pays duty in foreign exchange. The only requirements are that the importer should have stayed abroad for at least two years and he should have bought the car by his own money earned abroad.

Tandon allegedly used passports of various persons who were returning to the country, sometimes with their knowledge and in some cases without their knowledge.

According to the remand application filed by the Customs, all the cars have been imported by Tandon from Japan with the paper work done by M/s INPUB Yokohama, owned by Satish Tandon, brother of Ashwini.

The total value of the cars is close to Rs 3.40 crore. The cars were imported suspectedly to be sold at a premium. According to the remand application, 21 of the cars are yet to be traced.

Of the cars seized, the department has identified one Toyota Sera in which one of the accomplices of Tandon, Anoop Gandhi was also identified. Statements recorded by Customs in Delhi revealed that some passengers who had allowed the use of their passports for the illegal import were paid Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for the favour.

Tandon's bail application was heard at the Bombay High Court on Wednesday. The next hearing on the case is scheduled on Monday.