Police uncover interstate fraudster’s decade-long crime spree of land grab

Panaji: Investigation by Goa police has revealed that the interstate accused, 54-year-old Tivim resident Suleman Mohammed Khan alias Siddique, who was arrested in connection with alleged land grabbing, used to get friendly with women and use their credentials to allegedly commit frauds.

Siddique’s modus operandi involved gaining the trust of women and then using their personal information for his fraudulent activities, superintendent of police (crime branch) Rahul Gupta said.

“Siddique’s interrogation revealed a sophisticated and elusive criminal network. He frequently changed his identity using fake documents, disguises, and aliases to evade law enforcement. He maintained multiple identities, even adopting female personas to avoid recognition,” the SP said.

Gupta said, “Siddique’s criminal activities extended beyond property fraud as he operated a complex system involving fake bank accounts opened in the names of middle-aged women, whom he befriended and used for his illegal financial activities. Additionally, he regularly changed mobile phones and SIM cards to stay off the radar.”

Goa police registered the first case in 2008, and he was declared absconding in 2020.

Gupta said. “At present, there are seven cases registered against him, including murder and land grab, among others.”

The SP said that besides Goa, cases are registered against Siddique in Delhi, Maharashtra and Telangana, among other states.

“Despite being actively pursued by authorities, Siddique continued his criminal activities across the state, primarily in Goa, Karnataka, and other regions. He was still attempting to sell the Mapusa property (PT Sheet Chalta No. 67/2) when he was arrested. Several potential buyers had already been duped by his fraudulent claims, and substantial sums of money were involved in these illegal transactions,” he said.

The SP said that Siddique was also involved in numerous crimes across other states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. “In 2018, he was arrested in Hyderabad for robbing an illegal forex agent at gunpoint, stealing $30,000. He was also implicated in a series of land frauds and financial crimes in these states, constantly shifting locations to evade capture,” Gupta said.

Goa police appealed to the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious land deals, especially involving properties that seem to have forged documents or dubious ownership claims.

“This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against land fraud in Goa, and further investigations will continue to unravel the extent of Siddique’s criminal activities,” Gupta said.

He said at present, Siddique is a proclaimed offender in two cases and is wanted in three other cases, two of which are currently under trial.


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