On May 1, 2025, during the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) Foundation Day event, Director Rahul Navin addressed concerns regarding delays in money laundering investigations and trials. He attributed these delays to systemic issues within the judicial system and the inherent complexity of such cases.

Navin highlighted that over 1,700 cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are currently at various stages of trial. He acknowledged that many investigations have been pending for extended periods and emphasized the agency’s commitment to expediting probes and filing final chargesheets promptly. Despite these challenges, the ED boasts a conviction rate of 93.6% in concluded cases, with 44 convictions out of 47 trials.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju advised ED officers to exercise restraint in making arrests during money laundering investigations. He emphasized that premature arrests might not yield favorable outcomes in court and recommended that arrests be made at later stages of investigations, ensuring thorough evidence gathering.

Furthermore, Raju suggested amending the PMLA to designate hawala operators and angadias as “reporting entities.” This change would require them to maintain transaction records and disclose client identities, potentially aiding in tracing money trails and enhancing the effectiveness of investigations.

These discussions underscore the ED’s recognition of procedural delays and its efforts to streamline investigations, while also considering legal reforms to bolster the agency’s capabilities in combating financial crimes.

Sources