Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Panaji Zonal Office, conducted a search operation on September 26, 2025, at the premises of “Loja Shamu” in Mapusa Municipal Market, Mapusa, Goa, under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. The action followed specific inputs from Airport Customs, Goa, regarding the seizure of foreign exchange worth approximately USD 35,000.
During the raid, the ED seized foreign currency equivalent to around ₹3 lakh, Indian currency of approximately ₹13 lakh, along with incriminating chits, records of illegal forex transactions, and two mobile phones. Initial examination of digital evidence revealed telephonic chats indicating that the shop owner was engaged in unauthorized forex dealings with a total estimated value of ₹2–3 crore.
Officials said the seized material provides strong evidence of systematic illegal foreign exchange trading in violation of FEMA, 1999. The records and devices are under detailed examination to identify the wider network of individuals and entities involved. Further investigation is ongoing.
