Panaji: A UK national, James Andrew Saye Howden, has been accused of fraud, forgery, and financial misappropriation by Goan businessman and director Shahish Shambu Naik Gaonkar. In a formal complaint lodged with the Canacona Police and the Registrar of Companies (RoC), Gaonkar alleges that Howden illegally removed him as a director from Kopi Desa Private Limited — a company they jointly operated in South Goa — and unlawfully appropriated his profit share.
According to Gaonkar’s complaint, he had been a partner and director in the company for five years, holding a 10% profit share. He alleges that in September 2024, without his knowledge or consent, Howden forged his signature on a resignation letter dated 26th September and passed a board resolution on 4th October to remove him from the company’s directorship. Gaonkar maintains he never signed or authorized any such resignation and remained unaware of the development until much later.
In a separate letter to the Registrar of Companies, Gaonkar claimed that he was promised remuneration for managing daily operations but was never compensated. He also alleges that he was denied access to the company’s finances and records, raising suspicions of financial mismanagement and exclusion from the business without due process.
Gaonkar stated that he became aware of his removal only in December 2024 while registering a new company. A consultant informed him that he was no longer listed as a director in Kopi Desa Private Limited. Public records revealed that his removal was dated 26th September 2024 and he had been replaced by other individuals, without any notice, consent, or formal communication.
In his complaints, Gaonkar has urged authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against Howden and investigate the alleged forgery, falsified documents, and unauthorized board resolutions. He has also sought reinstatement as director and recovery of his rightful profit share.
If substantiated, the allegations may point to serious lapses in corporate governance and raise questions about legal safeguards for local entrepreneurs in joint ventures with foreign nationals. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
