Panaji/Goa: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Panaji Zonal Office, carried out extensive search and seizure operations on 16 December 2025 at the residential and business premises of Ms. Models Real Estate Developers and its partners in Goa. The action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as part of an ongoing probe into a major land grabbing case in Caranzalem, Goa.
The investigation was initiated based on an FIR filed by Panaji Police Station, which alleged a criminal conspiracy to illegally seize tenanted agricultural land identified as Chalta No. 44 (New 44A), P.T. Sheet No. 162, belonging to the family of Mr. Tanu Gauns.
Illegal conspiracy and manipulation of records
ED’s investigation revealed that the accused, including officials from the Archdiocese of Goa and the then-officials of the City Survey Office, colluded with the late Peter Vaz, former partner of Ms. Models Real Estate Developers, to fraudulently manipulate revenue records.
As part of this conspiracy, the legitimate tenant’s name was unlawfully removed from Form ‘B’ of City Survey records using forged and fabricated documents. Subsequently, the disputed land was illegally transferred to Ms. Models Real Estate Developers, represented by late Peter Vaz.
The partnership then developed a residential project named “Models Mystique” on the acquired land, generating significant proceeds of crime (PoC).
Search operations uncover crucial evidence
During the searches conducted at the residential premises of Diogo Nathan Vaz and Mrs. Natalina Estela Vaz in Caranzalem, and the registered office of Ms. Models Real Estate Developers at Santa Inez, ED recovered incriminating material, including:
- Sale and Purchase Agreement dated 2 February 2007,
- Title deeds of property in Dubai, UAE, held by late Peter Vaz,
Digital devices containing contacts of international investors, primarily from the UAE, reflecting alleged cash-based transactions.
Additionally, ED seized documents establishing the lawful tenancy rights of Tanu Gauns on the disputed property, as well as records indicating the estimated construction cost of apartments on the impugned land.
Legal and regulatory significance
ED officials highlighted that this case demonstrates how illegal land acquisition and real estate projects can become conduits for money laundering, posing serious financial and legal risks. The agency emphasized that monitoring and investigating illicitly acquired assets and cash transactions will continue rigorously.
Investigation ongoing, further action anticipated
The Directorate confirmed that the investigation is still in progress, which may involve further attachment of assets, detailed scrutiny of financial and digital records, and potential arrests. ED aims to ensure that all proceeds of crime are recovered under the PMLA and that similar fraudulent and manipulative schemes are curbed.
ED officials indicated that the agency will continue the probe in close coordination with relevant financial institutions and land record authorities, to map the entire network of investments and property transactions and secure any illegally acquired assets or benefits derived from crime.
