MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary presides over 69th ED Foundation Day, releases Annual Report [Read Report]

The 69th Foundation Day of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) was marked by a sense of pride and purpose as Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, led the celebrations in New Delhi. The event brought together top government officials, ED officers past and present, and international delegates, all united in recognising the agency’s growing role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the nation.

Speaking at the gathering, Shri Chaudhary stressed the importance of the ED’s work in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

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As India moves steadily towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, the nature of our economy and the crimes that threaten it will become more complex. The ED must remain ahead of the curve, not only in enforcement but also in prevention, he said.

Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he added, “No economic offender should be allowed to deprive ordinary citizens of their rights. The ED has a crucial responsibility in making that vision a reality.”

The Minister also released the agency’s Annual Report for FY 2024–25, showcasing a year of intensified activity and impact. According to ED Director Shri Rahul Navin, the agency launched 775 new investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) during the year — a sharp increase that reflects both the scale of financial crimes and the agency’s growing capacity. A total of 333 prosecution complaints were filed, leading to 34 convictions.

The momentum is strong, said Shri Navin. With the total value of attached assets standing at ₹1.54 lakh crore, and a conviction rate of 93.6%, the ED has shown that it is both proactive and effective, he remarked.

One of the standout achievements of the past year was the restitution of ₹15,261 crore to victims in 30 cases, with more expected in the coming year. Shri Navin credited the dedication of the agency’s officers and the backing of the judiciary and government for these results.

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Additional Solicitor General Shri S.V. Raju addressed the emerging threats posed by cryptocurrencies and hawala networks, warning that money laundering tactics are constantly evolving. “The law provides powerful tools under PMLA, but it’s the skill and alertness of the officers that make the difference,” he said, encouraging the ED to continue adapting.

The event also honoured 23 officers and zonal units for exceptional service. Among them was Shri Abhishek Goyal, former Special Director, who received the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service. Officers from across the country were recognised for intelligence work, investigations, and courageous field operations.

Zonal offices in Jalandhar, Hyderabad, and Gurugram were also commended for their outstanding performance, securing convictions, filing prosecution complaints, and attaching high-value properties respectively.

As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the ED’s role is no longer just about enforcement, building public trust, protecting national wealth, and ensuring that economic justice reaches every corner of India are also integral.

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