Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary has said that the government is committed to providing justice to people whose businesses have been adversely affected due to financial fraud. Citing actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate in this regard, Mr Chaudhary said that the agency returned assets worth over 30 thousand crore rupees to victims and rightful owners under anti-money laundering law provisions last year.

Addressing an event on Enforcement Directorate Day at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the minister lauded the ED’s efforts, saying such actions strengthen public confidence. He highlighted that the agency has played a crucial role in ensuring the country’s economic integrity and combating economic offences. He also said that despite facing pressure, the ED is acting as a deterrent to those who consider themselves above the law.

The minister said that from cases related to money laundering and FEMA to tracking down economic offenders, the ED’s work has become multidimensional.

Speaking on the occasion, ED Director Rahul Navin highlighted the agency’s 93.6 percent conviction rate, noting only 3 acquittals out of 47 cases. He emphasised the impact of the 2018 Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, under which 24 applications have been filed and 14 individuals declared offenders, leading to asset confiscations worth over 900 crore rupees. He said the ED plans to strengthen enforcement of the Act in coordination with police and other agencies.