jj correspondent
Srinagar, September 15: The 32nd Quarterly Conference of Zonal Officers (QCZO) of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) was successfully conducted on 12th and 13th September 2025 in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Chaired by the Director of Enforcement, the conference was attended by senior officers, including all Special Directors, Additional Directors, Joint Directors, and Deputy/Assistant Legal Advisors.
Reaffirming Security and Stability in Jammu & Kashmir
The choice of Srinagar as the venue was a deliberate effort to restore confidence in the region’s security environment following the recent terrorist incident in Pahalgam. The successful organization of the event underscored that J&K remains a safe, vibrant, and forward-looking destination for national-level deliberations.
Fast-Tracking PMLA Trials a Key Focus
A major focus of the conference was on the expeditious disposal of cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Director, ED, reviewed pending investigations and directed all Zonal Heads to ensure timely filing of prosecution complaints and to intensify efforts toward fast-tracking trials.
In line with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s observations during the review of the Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary judgment, ED has written to all High Court Registrars urging the creation of exclusive Special Courts for PMLA cases.
Despite procedural delays in predicate offences affecting PMLA prosecutions, it was noted that ED has secured convictions in 50 out of 53 merit-based cases, reflecting a 94% conviction rate-among the highest nationally and globally. Furthermore, the Directorate has successfully restituted over Rs. 34,000 crore to victims and rightful claimants.
Key Deliberations and Strategic Directions
The conference addressed a wide range of operational, legal, and administrative issues, including:
Case Management Database: Officers were directed to complete data entry within a month; HQ to provide training support as required.
Possession of Attached Properties: Post-Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary, issues around defining “exceptional cases” were discussed, and ongoing revisions to rules were noted.
Asset Recovery & Management: Recommendations included adopting the BAANKNET platform for transparent auctions, and the proposal to establish a dedicated Asset Management Unit and Asset Recovery Fund.
IBC-PMLA Interface: Coordination with IBBI to resolve conflicts and address misuse of IBC provisions in legacy NCLT cases.
FEMA & FERA: Urged stronger pursuit of FEMA cases and expedited closure of long-pending FERA adjudications.
Cyber & Digital Frauds: Praised strong ongoing investigations; emphasis on systematized investigation methodologies.
Online Betting & Gaming: Recognized as a growing enforcement challenge requiring focused strategies.
Operational Reforms: Discussions included upgrading the case management system, refining manuals, and broader adoption of e-Office systems.
Preventive Vigilance: Officers were urged to uphold the ED’s core values of integrity, accountability, commitment, and excellence.
Restitution Target: Aiming for ?15,000 crore restitution in FY 2025-26, including a significant rise in Sahara case recoveries.
Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization
On the administrative front, the ED continues to strengthen its infrastructure. Key developments include:
Acquisition of land at BKC, Mumbai, for a new unified complex.
Establishment of new Zonal Offices at Bhubaneswar, Patna, and Raipur.
Refurbishment of the Kolkata office.
Procurement of new office spaces at Jalandhar, Dehradun, Shillong, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.
The Directorate aims to shift all offices to self-owned premises within the next 3-4 years.
Reaffirming the ED’s Mandate
The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on inter-zonal coordination, strategic implementation of action points, and a reaffirmed commitment to ED’s statutory role in tackling money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and economic offences.
ED Holds 32nd Zonal Officers Conference in Srinagar
