Zimbabwean, Tanzanian nationals among 7 accused
PANAJI
The Enforcement Directorate’s Panaji Zonal Office has filed a prosecution complaint against seven persons, including Zimbabwean and Tanzanian nationals, in an international drug trafficking and money laundering case.
The complaint, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, has identified Vedasto Audax, a Tanzanian national; Masoom Uikey; Chirag Dudhat; Tariro Brightmore Mangwana (Zimbabwe); Reshma Wadekar; Mangesh Wadekar; and Nibu Vincent as the accused.
The prosecution complaint forms part of an ongoing investigation into the transnational drug syndicate allegedly operated by Vincent and his associates. The ED’s probe has reportedly traced financial transactions and proceeds of crime linked to the smuggling network that facilitated the trafficking of cocaine into India.
The agency has earlier attached assets and recorded statements of several accused in the matter that originated following the seizure of cocaine consignment traced to Laos.
In August, the ED had arrested Mangwana and conducted searches across eight States including Goa. Details shared by the agency revealed that Mangwana is involved in the alleged smuggling of drugs in South Goa’s coastal belt, after which the ED began a probe tracking the money laundering allegations.
The Crime Branch of the Goa police on April 14 cracked a drug smuggling case in South Goa’s coastal belt, initially arresting Vincent alias Winson, Reshma Wadekar and her husband Mangesh for their alleged nexus in the racket.
It intercepted a consignment of 4.32 kilograms of high-grade cocaine, valued at Rs 43.2 crore, concealed in packets of chocolates and coffee.
The CB had stated that Reshma allegedly played a key role in sourcing the consignment while Vincent and Manguesh reportedly handled logistics and distribution. Both Reshma and Manguesh have a criminal past. She was previously booked in a prostitution case, while Manguesh faces a rape charge.
