Panaji | The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet before the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Merces, Goa, in connection with an alleged ₹27.10 crore land tenancy fraud and money laundering case. The chargesheet names two former Procurators of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, a former Survey and Land Records official, and a private real estate development company. According to the agency, the accused allegedly manipulated tenancy rights over a parcel of land using forged documents, enabling its transfer and subsequent commercial exploitation through a residential-cum-commercial project that generated proceeds of crime worth approximately ₹27.10 crore.
The chargesheet filed by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office names Arlino De Mello, Victor Conceicao Rodrigues (both former Procurators of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman), Prabhakar Rama Hawaldar (then Inspector of Survey and Land Records, City Survey, Panaji), and a private real estate development firm under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
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According to the ED, the case relates to tenancy rights over a 2,479-square-metre parcel of land located at Mitra in Caranzalem, North Goa. The investigation originated from an FIR registered by Panaji Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint alleged that between November 18, 2004 and December 5, 2006, the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy and used forged documents to record the name of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in the land records, thereby depriving the original tenant family of its lawful tenancy rights.
Based on the FIR, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and initiated a money laundering investigation. During search operations conducted across Goa on December 16, 2025, investigators recovered several incriminating documents, loose sheets and electronic devices. According to the agency, these materials provided crucial evidence relating to the alleged financial transactions and fraudulent transfer of the property.
The ED’s financial investigation alleges that the land was fraudulently registered in the name of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman through forged documents. It was subsequently sold to a private real estate development company through a sale deed dated April 9, 2007, for an alleged consideration of only ₹61.97 lakh. The developer later constructed a residential-cum-commercial project on the property and sold multiple units to buyers, generating alleged proceeds of crime amounting to ₹27.10 crore.
The agency stated that it had earlier provisionally attached properties worth ₹27.10 crore in connection with the case. These include a hotel-cum-restaurant located in Caranzalem, Panaji, along with two other immovable properties identified as proceeds of crime or assets representing their equivalent value.
According to the ED, the filing of the prosecution complaint marks a significant step in the investigation, and proceedings will now continue before the Special PMLA Court. The agency said the investigation remains ongoing, and if the involvement of any additional individuals or entities is established, further legal action will be initiated in accordance with the law. Investigators are continuing to examine all aspects of the financial transactions, property transfers and the alleged money laundering network linked to the case.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
