Ex-Goa tourism minister now in visa trouble

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.