PANAJI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday arrested Mohammed Suhail, also known as Michael, in connection with a massive land-grabbing syndicate in Goa, according to a press note issued by the agency. He was taken into custody on September 22 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Suhail, already lodged in Colvale Correctional Home in another case, was produced before the Special PMLA Court in Merces, which granted the ED four days’ custody.
The press note states that Suhail was the alleged mastermind of a network that illegally acquired properties across the state using forged death certificates, fake legal heirs, and fabricated records. The case stems from a Goa Police SIT probe, which had earlier chargesheeted Suhail, his wife Anjum Shaikh, and associate Nure Faijal Bhatkar for cheating and forgery.
The ED has so far attached 52 properties worth about Rs 232.73 crore linked to Suhail and 35 others. During questioning in a related case, Suhail reportedly admitted his involvement in the illegal acquisition of more than 100 properties.
The agency said his arrest is a crucial step toward uncovering the money trail, identifying the end-use of proceeds of crime, and exposing other individuals involved in the racket. Further investigations are underway.
