ED: 94.82% Conviction Rate in Money Laundering Cases, Govt Tells Parliament
ED: 94.82% Conviction Rate in Money Laundering Cases, Govt Tells Parliament
Government data shows the ED’s PMLA convictions at 94.82% with 55 convictions in 58 judgments as of Dec 31, 2025, signaling strong enforcement momentum.
The government told Parliament that the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) money-laundering cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) have delivered a conviction rate of 94.82%. Courts have delivered judgments on merits in 58 cases, leading to 55 convictions that involve 123 accused. In the last five years, 43 of 104 accused were convicted across 55 cases, and the ED has secured convictions in 43 cases since 2020-21. As of December 31, 2025, these numbers reflect a robust pace in enforcement under the PMLA.
The ED has registered 8,391 cases since the act came into force in 2002, filed 1,960 prosecution complaints (charge sheets), and closed 1,278 investigations. In responding to questions about delays in investigations, the government noted its multi-pronged approach to case registration based on money-laundering risks, drawing on information from various sources. After investigations, prosecution complaints are filed before the special court, with efforts to fast-track cases through enhanced use of technology, including databases, forensic tools, artificial intelligence, OSINT techniques, and digital resources to strengthen evidence collection.
The figures point to a significant enforcement push by the ED in recent years, even as observers weigh the impact on deterrence and the speed of justice. The numbers cover a long-running effort to curb illicit financial flows and bring to book those involved in laundering proceeds of crime. The high rate of convictions in decided cases underscores the agency’s emphasis on prosecuting money-laundering offenses under PMLA, while the broader backlog and trial timelines remain a topic of ongoing discussion.
Overall, the data presented to Parliament reflect a strong emphasis on decisive action against money laundering, with the ED leveraging technology and streamlined processes to advance cases from registration to prosecution.
