Goa Nightclub Fire Case: ED Flags ₹22 Crore Earnings as Proceeds of Money Laundering

Panaji:The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that the entities operating a Goa-based nightclub, where 25 people lost their lives in a devastating fire last year, generated nearly ₹22 crore in revenue over the last two financial years, an amount that it has termed as “proceeds of crime” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In a statement issued on Sunday (January 25, 2026), the central probe agency said that in the Goa nightclub case, the revenue was prima facie suspected to be illegal, as the nightclub was allegedly operating without mandatory statutory approvals and on the basis of forged or fabricated No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and licences from multiple government departments.

According to the ED, in the Goa nightclub case, preliminary findings indicate that the establishment continued to function despite lacking valid permissions related to fire safety, building clearance, and other regulatory compliances. The agency alleged that forged documents were used to project the nightclub as legally authorised, allowing it to operate commercially and generate substantial income.

“This revenue is suspected to constitute proceeds of crime, as defined under the anti-money laundering law,” the ED said, adding that the funds were generated through unlawful means by bypassing statutory safeguards meant to ensure public safety.

The nightclub came under intense scrutiny after a massive fire incident last year, which resulted in the deaths of 25 people and left several others injured. The tragedy had sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about regulatory failures, safety norms, and accountability of authorities.

ED officials said the money laundering probe is linked to predicate offences registered by local agencies, and the investigation is focused on identifying the beneficiaries, fund flow, and utilisation of the alleged illegal earnings. The agency is also examining the role of individuals, shell entities, and possible laundering of funds through multiple channels.

Further action, including attachment of assets and properties, may follow based on the outcome of the investigation, officials indicated.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over illegal commercial operations, regulatory lapses, and enforcement failures in high-footfall entertainment venues, particularly in tourist-heavy states like Goa.