New Delhi: Adding to the troubles of former
Goa minister Fransisco Pacheco, booked in connection with the
death of his close friend, CBI has registered a case against
him for allegedly acquiring US visas on forged documents.
The CBI alleged that Pacheco entered into a criminal
conspiracy with two private persons -- Pedro Antonio Joanes
and Daniel Raymond Fernandes -- along with other unknown
people during 2007-2008.
They obtained crew members` visas from the United States
Consulate at Mumbai in the names of Joanes and Fernandes,
besides other unknown persons on the basis of forged documents
and facilitated their travel to the US by using the forged
documents, CBI officials claimed.
"Further, it has been alleged that the accused persons
obtained these crew men employment letters with the help of
the ex-minister of Goa after paying hefty amounts," CBI
spokesperson Harsh Bhal said.
The case was registered under different Sections of IPC
relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and using
forged documents as genuine.
"Searches and further investigation in this case is in
progress," Bhal added.
Media reports had recently said that according to US
Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the former minister might be
involved in a immigration and money laundering racket. Pacheco
had strongly denied this allegation and said he was ready to
face any inquiry.
Nearly four months ago, he was forced to step down as
Goa Tourism Minister after being booked in the case of close
friend Nadia Torrado`s death.
-PTI
