On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search and seizure operations at the homes and business locations of Models Real Estate Developers and its partners in Panaji, Goa. This action falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002 and is linked to an ongoing investigation into a significant land-grabbing case concerning valuable land in Caranzalem.

The probe was initiated following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Panaji Police. The investigation revolves around a supposed conspiracy to illegally acquire tenanted agricultural land associated with Chalta No 44 in Caranzalem, which originally belonged to the family of Tanu Gauns.

Investigators have uncovered that individuals linked to the Archdiocese of Goa and a former official from the City Survey Office, along with the late Peter Vaz—a former partner of Models Real Estate Developers—allegedly collaborated in this scheme. The ED claims that revenue records were tampered with to facilitate the illegal takeover of the land.

Furthermore, the ED reported that the rightful tenant’s name was unlawfully erased from city survey records using forged documents, allowing for an unauthorized sale of the land to Models Real Estate Developers, represented by Peter Vaz. This scenario led to the development of a residential project called ‘Models Mystique’ on the disputed property, which the agency claims resulted in new illicit financial gains.

During searches at the residences of Diogo Nathan Vaz and Natalina Estela Vaz, as well as the registered office of the real estate firm, the ED confiscated incriminating evidence, including a sale agreement and property title deeds linked to Dubai, allegedly held by Peter Vaz. They also unearthed digital devices indicating connections with international investors, especially from the UAE, suggesting cash transactions. Additionally, documents affirming Tanu Gauns’ tenancy rights and records related to the construction expenses of apartments on the disputed land were also seized.