Did the ED seize properties worth Rs 60 crore from the land mafia in Goa?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate has seized properties worth Rs 60 crore in Goa as part of a money laundering investigation involving Estevan Dsouza and a land mafia conspiracy. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against illegal property acquisitions in the region, aiming to restore integrity in land dealings.
Key Takeaways
- ED seizes properties worth Rs 60.05 crore in Goa.
- Investigation linked to Estevan Dsouza and land mafia.
- Properties acquired using forged documents.
- Criminal conspiracy targeting unattended properties.
- Ongoing efforts to combat illegal land acquisitions.
Panaji, July 1 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate has seized immovable assets valued at Rs 60.05 crore as part of an extensive money laundering probe involving Estevan Dsouza and others implicated in a scheme to unlawfully acquire private properties in Goa, an official reported on Tuesday.
The confiscated assets consist of land parcels located in Village Pilerne, Bardez, Goa, which were discovered to have been wrongfully obtained using forged sale deeds and counterfeit affidavit-cum-No Objection Certificates (NoCs), according to the official.
These properties are registered under the name of Rosa Maria Dsouza, the grandmother of Estevan Dsouza. This latest asset seizure by the ED follows a prior Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) issued on November 8, 2023, where properties worth Rs 11.82 crore were also attached.
The ED's investigation commenced based on several FIRs filed by the Goa Police against Estevan Dsouza and others, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, for crimes including cheating and forgery related to the illegal transfer of property ownership using fraudulent documents.
The investigation revealed that Estevan Dsouza was a principal figure in the alleged land scam, working in collusion with Mohammed Suhail and others.
They purportedly implemented a systematic plan involving the forgery and manipulation of land-related documents, including sale deeds, to illicitly acquire several high-value properties, as stated by the ED.
The forged documents were falsely presented as authentic to create an illusion of legality surrounding the illicit transactions, the ED noted.
Further findings indicated that Mohammed Suhail, along with his accomplices, devised a criminal conspiracy for illegal land acquisition in Goa, targeting properties where the genuine owner had either deceased without legal heirs or where the legal heirs were residing abroad.
Upon identifying potential properties for deception and fraud, they committed offenses punishable under sections including cheating, criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and utilizing forged documents.
The accused allegedly executed sale deeds or irrevocable powers of attorney using forged documents, impersonating legitimate owners, and engaged in property transactions, according to the police.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the severity of this issue. The ED's actions reflect a stringent approach toward combating illegal land acquisitions in Goa, safeguarding the rights of legitimate property owners. We stand committed to reporting on these developments with accuracy and integrity.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's investigation in Goa?
The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed by the Goa Police against Estevan Dsouza and others for various offenses under the Indian Penal Code, including cheating and forgery related to illegal property transfers.
How much property was seized by the ED?
The Enforcement Directorate has seized immovable properties worth Rs 60.05 crore as part of their ongoing money laundering investigation.
Who is Estevan Dsouza?
Estevan Dsouza is the main suspect in the ongoing money laundering investigation, accused of orchestrating a scheme to unlawfully grab private properties in Goa.
What types of documents were forged in this case?
The investigation revealed that forged sale deeds and fabricated No Objection Certificates were used to unlawfully acquire properties.
What actions are being taken against the accused?
The ED has attached properties and is conducting a thorough investigation into the fraudulent activities surrounding land acquisitions in Goa.
