The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out extensive search and seizure operations at multiple locations in Panaji, targeting the residential and business premises of Models Real Estate Developers and its partners. The action is part of a major money laundering investigation into the alleged illegal usurpation of tenanted agricultural land in the Caranzalem area.
Details of the ED Raid and Seized Evidence
Under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the federal agency raided the Caranzalem residences of Diogo Nathan Vaz and Natalina Estela Vaz, as well as the registered office of Models Real Estate Developers at St Inez. During these searches, the ED confiscated a trove of incriminating material.
The seized items include a crucial sale and purchase agreement dated February 2, 2007, and the title deeds of a property located in Dubai. This Dubai asset was purchased by the late Peter Vaz, a former partner in the real estate firm.
The Criminal Conspiracy and Land Fraud
The ED's probe, initiated from a First Information Report (FIR) at the Panaji police station, centers on a criminal conspiracy to illegally seize a specific tenanted agricultural land parcel. The property, identified as chalta no. 44 (new 44A) of P.T. sheet no. 162 in Caranzalem, lawfully belongs to the family of Tanu Gauns.
Investigations have revealed that the late Peter Vaz conspired with officials from the Archdiocese of Goa and former city survey office personnel. Their alleged goal was to fraudulently manipulate revenue records. As part of this plot, the name of the legitimate tenant was illegally removed from the Form 'B' city survey records using forged documents.
This manipulation paved the way for the disputed property to be unlawfully sold to Models Real Estate Developers, represented by Peter Vaz. The partnership firm subsequently developed a residential project named 'Models Mystique' on this contested land, thereby generating what the ED classifies as further proceeds of crime.
International Links and Ongoing Investigation
The ED's examination of digital devices seized during the raids has uncovered contacts of international investors, primarily based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These contacts allegedly point towards cash-based transactions linked to the case.
Furthermore, the agency recovered documents that firmly establish the lawful tenancy rights of the Gauns family over the disputed property. Records detailing the estimated construction cost of the apartments built on the impugned land were also found.
The Enforcement Directorate has stated that further investigation into this complex case of land grabbing and money laundering is actively in progress.
