Goa: Did the ED Just File a Prosecution Complaint Against 7 in an International Drug Trafficking Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the ED has filed a prosecution complaint against seven individuals, including international nationals, linked to a major drug trafficking case. This marks a crucial step in dismantling a network involved in smuggling cocaine into India. The ongoing investigation reveals extensive connections to global syndicates.
Key Takeaways
- ED files prosecution complaint against seven individuals under PMLA.
- Key accused include international nationals involved in drug trafficking.
- Significant evidence seized during extensive operations.
- Ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling drug networks.
- Commitment to a drug-free India through Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) from the Panaji Zonal Office has officially lodged a Prosecution Complaint (PC) against seven individuals. The accused include Tanzanian national Vedasto Audax, Zimbabwean national Tariro Brightmore Mangwana, along with Indian nationals Masoom Uikey, Chirag Dudhat, Reshma Wadekar, Mangesh Wadekar, and Nibu Vincent. This action is taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), as announced by the agency on Saturday.
The complaint was filed on October 18, 2025, representing a significant advancement in the ED’s investigation into an extensive international drug trafficking and money laundering operation associated with the smuggling of 4.325 kilograms of cocaine into India from Laos.
This case emerged from an FIR registered by the Crime Branch of the Goa Police.
Previously, on August 19, 2025, the ED executed extensive search operations across various states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
According to a press note from the ED, these operations led to the seizure of critical digital evidence, incriminating documents, and the freezing of numerous bank accounts believed to be involved in laundering Proceeds of Crime (POC).
During the investigation, Tariro Brightmore Mangwana was apprehended on August 22 under Section 19 of the PMLA due to his significant role in facilitating international narcotics trafficking and the laundering of illicit funds.
He reportedly organized travel and financed Indian drug couriers, earning commissions from the principal accused, Vedasto Audax.
In a parallel operation, the ED issued a Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) on October 18, which involved assets valued at Rs 45.15 lakh, including a property in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, owned by accused Reshma Wadekar.
“Reshma Wadekar was implicated in carrying 4.3 Kgs of Cocaine to India from Vientiane in March 2025 during one of her drug trafficking activities. The financial investigation conducted by the ED has unveiled the generation of POC amounting to Rs. 88.14 Lakh associated with this trafficking,” the agency stated.
The ED’s ongoing investigation has revealed connections among the accused and global drug trafficking syndicates operating from the Golden Triangle, the Middle East, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The ED emphasized that “Further investigations are in progress to identify additional beneficiaries, facilitators, and assets associated with the POC. The investigation has also uncovered the utilization of shell entities and benami accounts for routing funds, thereby obscuring the source of income generated from drug trafficking.”
Reiterating its commitment to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the ED affirmed its determination to dismantle such networks by targeting their financial structures and seizing assets amassed from drug trafficking.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the seriousness of this case. The ED's rigorous investigation underscores the government's commitment to combatting drug trafficking and money laundering. The connections revealed between these individuals and international syndicates highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and action against such criminal operations.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act?
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is an Indian law enacted to prevent money laundering and to provide for the confiscation of property derived from money laundering.
Who were the key accused in the case?
The key accused include Tanzanian national Vedasto Audax, Zimbabwean national Tariro Brightmore Mangwana, and several Indian nationals.
What evidence was seized during the investigation?
Significant digital evidence, incriminating documents, and several bank accounts suspected of laundering were seized during the investigation.
What is the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan?
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at creating a drug-free India.
What actions have been taken against the accused?
The ED has filed a prosecution complaint, arrested key individuals, and attached assets linked to the accused.
