ED probing FEMA violations by foreigners in buying property in Goa

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is still investigating more than 200 cases of violations of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and others by foreigners regarding purchases of immovable property in Goa.

Special Director, ED, Directorate, Western Region, Mr. Sajjad Naqvi held a meeting here on Friday and heard grievances of foreign nationals, NRIs and PIOs who have purchased property in Goa in violation of FEMA.

In all, 20 foreigners who are being probed were present at the meeting, said an official and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to educate the foreigners about various aspects and to work towards speedy disposal of cases.

"We heard the aggrieved foreignors who came for the meeting. They had certain issues and grievances which we have noted and assured them that they will be looked into and taken care of," said a spokesperson of ED here afer the meeting.

In the last one year, the ED has disposed of around 100 such cases, mostly of property purchased in coastal belt of the State. Already, ED has seized 22 property, all of which have gone into appeal at the Appellate FEMA authority in Mumbai.

The issue of purchase of immovable properties by foreigners violating FEMA provisions had raised much furore in the State years back and the State Government was compelled to submit over 300 cases to ED for detailed probe and action.