shot-button
Mumbai Lake Level Mumbai Lake Level
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > ED raids properties in Goa and Pune in land grabbing case seizes key documents

ED raids properties in Goa and Pune in land grabbing case, seizes key documents

Updated on: 05 July,2025 09:13 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Diwakar Sharma | diwakar.sharma@mid-day.com

The searches are linked to a probe against John Paul Valles, Sandeep Vazarkar, and their associates, who are accused of illegally acquiring ancestral land measuring 5,000 sq. meters in Socorro, North Goa

ED raids properties in Goa and Pune in land grabbing case, seizes key documents

Representational Image

Listen to this article
ED raids properties in Goa and Pune in land grabbing case, seizes key documents
x
00:00

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Panaji Zonal Office, conducted search operations at eight locations in Goa and Pune on July 4 as part of an ongoing investigation into a land-grabbing case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

The searches are linked to a probe against John Paul Valles, Sandeep Vazarkar, and their associates, who are accused of illegally acquiring ancestral land measuring 5,000 sq. meters in Socorro, North Goa. The case was initiated based on an FIR filed at Porvorim Police Station by complainant Jeronimo Oliveiro Desouza.


According to investigators, the accused allegedly conspired to forge documents in inventory proceeding No. 134/2019/C, falsely claiming that the father of two women—Sandra De Sa and Maureen Saldanha—shared the same name as the complainant’s father. This fraudulent claim allowed the illegal transfer of ownership of the ancestral property to the two women.


Subsequently, John Paul Valles obtained a Power of Attorney (POA) from the sisters in Pune and sold the subdivided land to multiple buyers. Sandeep Vazarkar, who accompanied Valles during the execution of the POA, allegedly played a key role in identifying and arranging buyers. During questioning, Vazarkar admitted to receiving Rs 10 lakh as brokerage and was also found to have made large unexplained cash deposits in both personal and business bank accounts.

The ED's search operations at the residential and office premises of the accused led to the seizure of several electronic devices and a substantial collection of incriminating documents. Key recoveries include multiple sale deeds, power of attorney documents, inventory proceedings, and a diary listing cash transactions. These items were primarily seized from the premises of Sandeep Arjun Vazarkar, John Paul Valles, Sandeep Manjrekar, and Avinash Naik.

Officials said the seized material is under examination and is expected to yield critical leads in tracing the proceeds of crime and advancing the investigation into the alleged land-grabbing conspiracy.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK