With every crime against foreigners, the State as well as the country gets into some sort of controversy over the safety and security of the tourists arriving on this beautiful paradise. However, a number of foreigners are also involved in the crimes and other illegal businesses.
Many a time the issue has, in the past, come in the limelight that foreign tourists are involved in illegal businesses in the state and they also found to be engaged in petty as well as serious crimes.
Often there are tussles between locals and foreigners in the Northern coastal belt when the small-time businesses of locals are taken over by foreigners. This, sources say, naturally irks the villagers for whom their business is their bread and butter.
It has been noticed that in the northern-most parts of Goa, especially in the villages of Morjim, Ashwem, Mandrem and Arambol in Pernem taluka that locals have lost their livelihood because the foreigners have taken over their business. The villagers claim that every incident against the foreign tourists has been highlighted by the media and the law enforcement agencies are investigating the matter with utmost care.
“We are not saying that crime against foreigners be neglected but the enforcement agencies should deal with the same zeal the cases against illegalities and investigate thoroughly their illicit activities”, said Sushant Naik, from Arambol village.
Foreigners are operating the restaurants, hotels, clubs, cafes, etc in the coastal villages with the help of the locals. The villagers have said that some of the people are linked so much in such activities, that they become their legal front to operate the businesses smoothly.
Government and law enforcement agencies are also often helpless to act against the foreigners in a situation where they cannot catch foreigners in trade technically, locals say, but villagers have informed the authorities that there are still places which are run completely in violation of FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act).
Besides, the foreigners booked by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in grave violations are also found involved in other major violations of operating the business establishments in the coastal villages.
Herald investigations reveal that majority of the businesses operated by foreigners are Russians in Pernem followed by English tourists in other parts of Goa.
Russians have completely dominated the villages like Morjim and Ashwem and sources say they start new business activities at the start of the tourist season every year.
Besides operating restaurants and hotels, the foreigners in Pernem taluka, sources say, are now operating in foreign exchange (FOREX) and operating gambling dens.
Another Russian, who is in Goa since 2001, is involved in money exchange. He is converting the foreign currency and gives good rates in the coastal belt of North Goa.
Uttam Raut Desai, Police Inspector of Pernem Police Station has said that these issues have been brought to his notice by the locals as well as his staff.
“I have already held a meeting with all the Sarpanchas and Panchas of the coastal village panchayats and instructed them to be cautious while issuing NOCs or licences to any of the business establishments as the issue of foreigners getting involved in trades illegally is very serious,” said PI Uttam Raut Dessai.
He said he has also instructed all the members of village panchayats to be the ears and eyes of the Goa Police and be quick to inform police if any activity is found be suspicious in their area.
“It is up to the concern authority to take action against such illegal activities but it is also my duty to detect it and bring it to their notice for further proceedings”, he added.
Rahul Parab, Police Inspector of Anjuna Police Station, said that there are no such incidents in Anjuna village of foreigners getting involved in illegal operation of business but still he has directed his staff to keep a strict vigil over these activities.
Jivba Dalvi, Police Inspector of Calangute Police Station, informed that in his jurisdiction such incidents have not been reported so far.
“We are keeping a watch over each and every activity in the coastal belt; if anyone is found we will book them under relevant sections”, he said.
It is also revealed that in one of the notorious restaurants, where Indian nationals are not welcomed, is operating live poker table. This place is in Morjim and operates the gaming activities 24 hours a day. However, Indians are allowed in this restaurant.
Another place, which is operated by young foreign boys and girls near Sky Bar is famous for music. Music lovers have been lured to this place. Along with music many illegal activities are reportedly taking place, including prostitution and drugs.
Another place in Morjim, operated by a female from Ukraine, has approximately 20 rooms. The restaurant in this hotel is operated by females from Russia. Most of the bartenders in this bar are from Russia.
A thorough inquiry has revealed that almost 50-70 DJs come down to the State from Moscow and St Petersburg on a tourist visa and work for entire tourist season in Goa. A Russian lady, who is in Goa on valid employment visa, has informed Herald that these DJs work here without entertainment licence in clubs and organise beach parties.
DJs mostly reside in Arambol and Anjuna according to her. She said they play different type of music which makes them unique from other DJs in the state.
In another major revelation it has been also found that the foreigners are also operating Creche in the coastal belt where many of the foreigners keep their kids to be taken care of during the working hours.
The foreigners have come up with typical Creche as many of the foreigners are working in the State. Not all the foreigners are working illegally but majority of them are illegal, as per survey in the coastal belt of Goa.
These crèche operators are charging Rs 250-300 per hour from the foreigners. Many foreigners’ kids are also schooling in the coastal areas of Goa.
