Press Trust Of India

Panaji, September 05, 2010

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Pacheco-denies-involvement-in-money-laundering/Article1-596300.aspx

Goa's former Tourism Minister Fransisco Mickey Pacheco on Sunday brushed aside the allegations of his involvement in a major international money laundering and fake travel document racket, saying he was prepared for any inquiry as his accounts were transparent. "I am shocked to read what has appeared in the newspaper. My overseas employment agency has ceased to exist for last four years, since I separated from my wife," Pacheco told PTI at his residence in Betalbhatim, south Goa.

Pacheco said he is ready to face any inquiry and his bank accounts are transparent, which could be probed by any agency.

The NCP legislator is in the controversy after a national newspaper reported that US' bureau of diplomatic security had connected the former minister to a massive immigration and money laundering racket.

The news report mentioned that the bureau had got in touch with Indian Ministry of External Affairs with the relevant documents and case is being referred to CBI.

The former minister said that all the recruitments done when he ran the agency along with his estranged wife Sara, were all "valid and with proper documents."

"I have not sent anyone abroad with forged or fake documents. I am ready to face any kind of investigation," Pacheco said adding that he does not know whether Sara still continues with the licence.