ED Freezes Rs 17.45 Crore in Assets Linked to Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane Amid Money Laundering Investigation
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 17.45 crore linked to Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa, raising serious allegations of money laundering and regulatory violations. This comes after a tragic fire incident and extensive forgery claims.
Key Takeaways
The ED has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 17.45 crore .
The investigation involves alleged money laundering related to Birch by Romeo Lane .
FIRs were filed following a tragic fire incident on December 6, 2025 .
Forged documents were allegedly used to obtain licenses.
The establishment generated significant revenue classified as “proceeds of crime” .
Panaji, April 8 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has temporarily secured the attachment of real estate valued at around Rs 17.45 crore as part of a money laundering investigation involving the purported unlawful activities of the venue “Birch by Romeo Lane” located in Arpora, Goa, a report disclosed on Wednesday.
This action was executed by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), enacted in 2002.
The inquiry originates from complaints lodged by Goa Police at the Anjuna and Mapusa police stations against Saurabh Luthra and others, citing various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
These complaints are connected not only to a devastating fire incident on December 6, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 25 lives and several injuries, but also to allegations involving extensive forgery and falsification of legal documents to acquire necessary regulatory approvals.
As per the ED’s findings, the establishment was managed by M/s Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP without essential permissions, including a valid Fire NOC.
The agency also discovered that falsified documents—such as a counterfeit Health NOC and a forged Police Clearance Certificate—were presented to secure licenses and ensure project compliance.
The ED asserts that the partners of the establishment, collaborating knowingly, continued operations despite lacking and allowing key licenses to expire. Notably, the trade license was not renewed after it expired on March 31, 2024, while the establishment remained operational in breach of statutory regulations.
Financial investigations indicate that the establishment accrued revenues totaling roughly Rs 29.78 crore from FY 2023–24 up until December 6, 2025. These earnings have been classified as “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.
Previously, on January 23, the ED conducted searches at several locations associated with the establishment, resulting in the confiscation of incriminating documents and digital devices, along with the freezing of bank accounts containing about Rs 59 lakh.
Ongoing investigations into the matter continue.
Point of View
This case highlights significant regulatory lapses and the serious implications of illegal operations in the hospitality sector. The ED's proactive measures signal a commitment to accountability and the rule of law in addressing financial crimes that impact public safety.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Enforcement Directorate?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is an Indian law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes, including money laundering and foreign exchange violations.
What led to the investigation of Birch by Romeo Lane?
The investigation was initiated following FIRs filed by Goa Police related to a tragic fire incident and allegations of forgery to obtain regulatory clearances.
What are proceeds of crime?
Proceeds of crime are any earnings derived from illegal activities, which can be subject to forfeiture under laws like the PMLA.
What actions has the ED taken against Birch by Romeo Lane?
The ED has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 17.45 crore and is conducting ongoing investigations into the establishment's operations and financial activities.
