In a recent crackdown on land-grabbing groups in Goa, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended the ringleader of one such syndicate, identified as Siddique Khan, a resident of Karnataka. Khan, also known as Suleman Khan, aged 55 and hailing from Karwar, Karnataka, was taken into custody by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office on July 16 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The Special Court (PMLA), North Goa, has granted the ED custody of Khan for further investigation to trace the money trail, identify tainted properties, and uncover the broader conspiracy.
The arrested individual, Siddique Khan, is described as the key figure and primary beneficiary of an organized syndicate involved in the large-scale acquisition of high-value properties in Goa through fraudulent title documents. The ED’s probe was initiated based on various criminal cases filed by the Goa Police against Khan and his associates for offenses like forgery, cheating, and illegal transfer of properties, all falling under the PMLA’s purview. The State Police have already submitted charge sheets in these cases, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.
According to the ED’s findings, the syndicate orchestrated the creation of fake sale deeds and ownership documents, often in the names of deceased or fictitious predecessors of legitimate landowners. These falsified documents were then used to unlawfully change ownership records of valuable land parcels in favor of Khan and his accomplices. Subsequently, the fraudulently acquired properties were either sold, developed, or monetized, resulting in substantial proceeds of crime that were disguised as legitimate assets. The total extent of the illicitly held properties linked to the accused is estimated to be around 25 hectares, equivalent to approximately 62.5 acres, with a provisional value of not less than Rs 300 crore, pending final assessment.
