Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, today described the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as the shield protecting the nation against financial crimes. The Minister was addressing the 70th ED Day Celebrations in New Delhi. He emphasized that the powers given to the ED are aimed at combating financial crimes such as money laundering, hawala transactions, benami properties and corporate frauds, and not to target individuals.

Emphasising the need for strong enforcement, he noted that such crimes pose a serious threat to the economy and the common citizen. The Minister also highlighted that as of 31st March this year, the ED has attached assets worth around 2.36 lakh crore rupees, out of which over 63 thousand crore rupees have been returned to rightful owners, including banks, investors and homebuyers.

Referring to emerging challenges, Mr Chaudhary said that cyber fraud and online financial crimes are rising concerns and called for stronger cooperation among central agencies to tackle them effectively. The Minister reiterated that the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. The Minister also inaugurated the Jaipur Zonal office, during the occasion.

Addressing the event, Director of ED, Rahul Navin said the nature of financial offences has shifted from bank frauds and corporate scams to cryptocurrency fraud, cyber-enabled crimes, terror financing and narcotics trafficking. He noted that the Directorate has adapted proactively to these emerging threats, with a focused strategy to disrupt criminal networks by targeting their financial roots.

Highlighting global cooperation, Mr Navin said that India’s role in anti-money laundering efforts has strengthened, with the ED contributing to international frameworks and asset recovery networks. Revenue Secretary, Arvind Shrivastava, Additional Solicitor General Suryaprakash V. Raju and ED Special Director Manu Tentiwal were also present at the occasion.