New Delhi – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently pursuing trial proceedings in 1,739 cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), with the agency’s director attributing delays to systemic issues in the Indian judiciary. Speaking at the 69th ED Day event in New Delhi, ED Director Rahul Navin emphasized the agency’s challenges and achievements, which have seen an exponential rise in the number of cases handled over the past decade.
Despite the growing backlog, the ED has recorded an impressive conviction rate of 93.6%, with only three acquittals among the 47 cases the courts have decided so far. “We candidly acknowledge the delay in investigation and prosecution,” Navin said, adding that the agency is actively working to accelerate the process of filing charge sheets and concluding trials.
Surge in Enforcement Activity
The federal agency, which enforces the PMLA, the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), and civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), has seen a significant increase in activity, particularly since 2014. Over the past 10 years:
- 5,113 PMLA investigations have been launched.
- In FY 2024-25 alone, the ED initiated 775 new PMLA cases, filed 333 prosecution complaints, and secured 34 convictions.
- The agency issued 461 provisional attachment orders valued at ₹30,036 crore — a 44% increase in volume and a 141% rise in value from the previous year.
- As of March 31, 2025, total assets worth ₹1,54,594 crore remain under provisional attachment.
Focus on Victim Compensation and Technological Integration
ED Director Navin underscored the agency’s growing focus on victim restitution. In 2024-25, the ED returned assets worth ₹15,261 crore to victims in 30 cases. The agency is also embracing advanced technology and forensic tools to strengthen investigative capabilities and ensure better legal outcomes.
Strategic Legal Realignment
In the wake of courtroom setbacks in several high-profile cases, the ED has revised its approach. Officers have been directed not to rely solely on “criminal conspiracy” as a predicate offence under the PMLA. Instead, they are encouraged to ensure the presence of a clear, substantive offence that strengthens the legal standing of their cases. This shift aims to reduce the chances of legal challenges derailing enforcement efforts.
Director Rahul Navin, a 1993-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, was appointed as the full-time head of the agency in August 2024. Under his leadership, the ED has launched probes into several high-profile political figures, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Navin is also expected to visit Odisha soon to review pending investigations and potentially initiate new cases in the region, signaling a push to increase enforcement beyond major metros.
