A total 1,739 money laundering cases are currently at the trial stage, according to the ED Director. He said the delay in prosecuting these cases is mainly due to the overall slow pace of the country’s justice system.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director Rahul Navin stated on Thursday (May 1, 2025) that over 1,700 money laundering cases investigated by the ED are currently in the trial phase.
He attributed the delays in court proceedings to the overall slow pace of the justice system in India.
Speaking at the ED Day event, Mr. Navin highlighted the agency’s high conviction rate, noting that 93.6% of ED cases have resulted in convictions. Out of the 47 cases decided by courts to date, only three have ended in acquittals.
He said,
“A total of 1,739 cases of PMLA are under trial at present, and the delay in prosecution in the money laundering cases can be attributed to general delay in the justice system in the country,”
Mr. Navin also acknowledged the pending investigations in Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases. He assured that the agency would prioritize filing chargesheets in these cases.
He emphasized the ED’s commitment to utilizing advanced technology and forensic methods in its investigations.
The ED, established on May 1, 1956, has completed 69 years of operation. It enforces two criminal laws: the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), as well as the civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is a key legislation in India aimed at tackling the offence of money laundering and ensuring financial transparency.
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Under PMLA, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigates and prosecutes individuals and entities involved in laundering proceeds of crime.
Currently, over 1,700 PMLA cases are at the trial stage, with delays mainly due to the overall slow pace of the Indian justice system. The Act empowers authorities to attach and confiscate property involved in money laundering. PMLA plays a vital role in India’s fight against corruption, black money, and financial crimes.