Enforcement Directorate Records 95% Conviction Rate in Money Laundering Cases
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in prosecuting financial crimes, achieving a 95% conviction rate in money laundering cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This significant milestone was officially disclosed by the government in Parliament on Tuesday, highlighting the agency's robust legal enforcement capabilities.
Detailed Breakdown of Conviction Statistics
In a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary provided comprehensive data on the ED's performance. As of December 31, 2025, special PMLA courts have delivered judgments on the merits of money laundering in 58 cases. Out of these, conviction orders have been issued in 55 cases, resulting in the conviction of 123 accused individuals.
Chaudhary emphasized that this translates to a conviction rate of 95%, calculated as the percentage of cases where accused persons were convicted relative to the total cases decided on merits. This high rate underscores the ED's meticulous investigation and prosecution processes.
Historical Context and Case Volume
The ED's efforts span nearly two decades, with the agency registering investigations under PMLA in 8,391 cases since 2005. Among these, prosecution complaints have been filed in 1,960 cases before special courts, seeking convictions for money laundering offenses and the confiscation of proceeds of crime.
Chaudhary further detailed year-wise conviction data, revealing that the ED has secured convictions in 43 cases since 2020-21. Over the past six years, this has led to the conviction of 104 accused under PMLA provisions, indicating a sustained and intensified focus on combating financial crimes.
Multi-Pronged Investigation Approach
Explaining the ED's methodology, Chaudhary outlined a multi-pronged approach to case registration. This strategy involves:
- Assessing money-laundering risks and threats
- Examining information from various sources
- Filing prosecution complaints after thorough investigations
He noted that efforts have been made to fast-track investigations and conclude cases efficiently through the enhanced use of technology. This technological integration has streamlined processes, enabling quicker resolutions and maintaining the high conviction standards.
The government's disclosure in Parliament reaffirms the ED's critical role in India's financial regulatory framework, showcasing its success in upholding legal integrity and deterring illicit financial activities through stringent enforcement of PMLA regulations.
