New Delhi: In a significant revelation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made strides in combating financial misconduct by temporarily seizing a staggering amount of Rs 1.16 lakh crore in ‘illegally earned money’ since 2014. This revelation came to light during discussions in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel, provided this information in a written reply, shedding light on the ED’s relentless efforts to curb financial irregularities. According to Singh, from January 1, 2019, onwards, four individuals have been successfully extradited to India to face trial, and three more individuals have been ordered for extradition by the respective courts.
Over the broader period between January 1, 2014, and October 31, 2023, the ED has made substantial strides, seizing a total of more than Rs 1,16,792 crore and assets valued at Rs 16,637.21 crore in cases related to illegal earnings.
Singh underscored the agency’s commitment to combating money laundering, revealing that under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the ED has seized an impressive Rs 69,045.89 crore of illegally earned money in the last four years, spanning from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2023.
This disclosure not only highlights the ED’s proactive stance in tackling financial crimes but also emphasizes the importance of continued efforts in maintaining the integrity of the financial system. The agency’s relentless pursuit of those engaged in illegal financial activities is contributing significantly to the nation’s efforts to uphold financial transparency and combat illicit wealth accumulation.