ED says it has secured over 94% conviction rate in PMLA cases

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday (September 15, 2025) said the agency has secured convictions in 50 of the 53 cases in the special courts under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), achieving a conviction rate of more than 94%, and facilitated restitution of assets worth over ₹34,000 crore to victims and legitimate claimants.

This financial year, the agency has set the target of achieving ₹15,000-crore restitution, noting the substantial increase in the restoration of claims in the Sahara case following the ED’s investigative efforts.

Also Read | Supreme Court questions ‘poor’ conviction rate in ED cases

The central agency held its 32nd quarterly conference of zonal officers (September 12-13) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, attended by all the Special Directors, Additional Directors, Joint Directors and the Deputy/Assistant legal advisors.

“The decision to hold the conference in Srinagar was taken primarily to restore confidence in the security environment of the State after the unfortunate terrorist attack at Pahalgam a few months ago. Successful completion of the conference demonstrated that J&K remains a safe vibrant and forward looking venue for national and international level deliberations,” it said in a release.

Focus on fast-tracking cases

A key issue discussed at the event was the fast-tracking of trial of cases under PMLA. ED Director Rahul Navin reviewed the statistics and directed zonal heads to expedite pending investigations, ensure filing of final prosecution complaints, and make all possible efforts to fast-track trials.

“Following the observations from the Hon’ble Supreme Court Bench during the review of the Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary judgment regarding establishing exclusive Special Courts for PMLA, it was noted that letters were sent to registrars of all Chief Justices for consideration of the proposal of establishing exclusive PMLA courts,” it said.

Also Read | ED filed closure reports in 49 cases under PMLA over 10 years

During the conference, the progress on the ED’s internal case management system was reviewed and the need for completion of data entry within a month was stressed. “The challenges in taking possession of attached properties under PMLA after the Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary judgment were discussed, noting ambiguities in defining exceptional cases. The ED is striving to take possession wherever possible to prevent offenders from enjoying the fruits of crime, while revised Rules are being worked on,” the agency said.

Other issues taken up at the event included “asset recovery and management”, and the need to resolve conflicts between the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and PMLA through coordinated guidelines with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India and resolution of legacy National Company Law Tribunal cases. The cases related to cyberfraud, online betting, and gaming, were also discussed.

“All senior officers were sensitised to uphold preventive vigilance and reaffirm the ED’s core values of integrity, accountability, commitment and excellence,” it said.