ED Freezes Rs 6.27 Crore Worth of Properties in Goa’s Land Grabbing Money Laundering Case
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally seized properties worth Rs 6.27 crore as part of a money laundering investigation linked to land grabbing in Goa. Estevan D’Souza and accomplices are accused of fraudulently acquiring properties through forgery and impersonation.
Key Takeaways
ED has provisionally attached properties worth Rs 6.27 crore.
Case linked to land grabbing involving Estevan D’Souza.
Fraudulent acquisition through forged documents and impersonation.
Total assets attached now amount to Rs 78.14 crore.
Further investigations are being conducted.
Panaji, March 13 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally seized three real estate properties valued at Rs 6.27 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) due to a suspected money laundering case linked to land grabbing involving Estevan D’Souza and others, officials reported on Friday.
The federal investigative agency stated that this action was taken by its Panaji Zonal Office as part of an ongoing inquiry into the illicit acquisition of land in Goa through forged documents and the impersonation of actual property owners.
The ED initiated the investigation based on a First Information Report filed by the Goa Police at the Porvorim Police Station and the Economic Offences Cell, Goa, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code concerning criminal conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and forgery.
Investigations uncovered that Estevan D’Souza, alongside accomplices including Moses Fernandes and Mohammed Suhail, allegedly plotted to illegally seize multiple properties in Goa. The accused reportedly impersonated the legitimate owners, utilizing forged sale deeds, fabricated identity documents, and counterfeit powers of attorney to unlawfully transfer property ownership.
Authorities mentioned that the conspirators also deceived buyers into purchasing these properties by executing fraudulent sale deeds and contracts, thereby collecting funds from unsuspecting victims.
Previously, the agency had attached assets worth Rs 11.82 crore and Rs 60.05 crore in connection with the same case. With the latest attachment of properties valued at Rs 6.27 crore, the cumulative value of assets seized in this investigation has now escalated to approximately Rs 78.14 crore.
The ED has already submitted a prosecution complaint to the Special PMLA Court in Goa, which has acknowledged the case. The agency confirmed that further investigations are currently ongoing.
Point of View
The actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate highlight the ongoing battle against financial crimes and land fraud in India. The investigation not only underscores the importance of regulatory oversight but also the need for stricter measures to protect property rights.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's investigation in Goa?
The investigation was initiated based on a First Information Report filed by the Goa Police regarding fraudulent land acquisitions through impersonation and forgery.
Who are the main individuals involved in the case?
The key individuals involved include Estevan D’Souza, Moses Fernandes, and Mohammed Suhail, who are accused of conspiring to illegally acquire properties.
What is the total value of assets attached by the ED in this case?
As of now, the total value of assets attached in this case has reached approximately Rs 78.14 crore.
What legal actions have been taken by the ED?
The ED has filed a prosecution complaint before the Special PMLA Court in Goa, which has acknowledged the matter, and further investigations are ongoing.
What laws are being cited in this investigation?
The investigation is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and forgery.
