Full Form of ED

What is an ED or Enforcement Directorate?

ED or Enforcement Directorate is an economic intelligence organization that implements laws of economics and defends against financial crimes in the nation. Enforcement Directorate stands under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Indian Govt.

The Directorate of Enforcement was founded in 1956 with its headquarters located in New Delhi. It is charged with enforcing the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 (FEMA) and some aspects of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Enforcement Directorate has been given the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting PML-related offences.

The Directorate is under the operational administrative supervision of the Department of Revenue; the Department of Economic Affairs is responsible for the policy elements of FEMA, its law, and changes. Nonetheless, the Department of Revenue is in charge of PML Act-related policy matters. Prior to the implementation of FEMA on June 1, 2000, the Directorate implemented the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act of 1973.

Main objectives of ED

• Intelligence inputs are gathered from many sources, including Central and State Intelligence agencies, complaints, etc., in order to collect, produce, and distribute intelligence about infractions of FEMA, 1999.
• To investigate potential violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 involving activities such as "hawala" foreign exchange racketeering, non-realization of export revenues, and non-repatriation of foreign exchange, as well as other types of FEMA 1999 crimes.
• To adjudicate instances involving breaches of FERA 1973 and FEMA 1999.
• To enforce the fines imposed following the end of adjudication processes.
• To handle instances of adjudication, appeals, and prosecution under the former FERA, 1973.
• To process and propose cases for preventive detention in accordance with the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Act (COFEPOSA)
• To conduct a survey, search, seizure, arrest, and/or prosecution against a PMLA violator.
• To give and seek reciprocal legal assistance to/from contracting nations for the attachment/confiscation of criminal proceeds and the transfer of accused people under the PMLA.

Operations of ED

• Numerous sources including State & Intelligence departments, grievances etc. provide the intelligence reports to gather, establish and disseminate information related to FEMA violations, 1999.
• ED has examined the suspected infringements of the 1999 FEMA regulations.
• Former FERA 1973 & FEMA 1999 violations adjudication cases.
• Fines levied after the adjudication process are carried out.
• Appeals, appeals and legal proceedings under the former FERA 1973 handling.
• To carry out searches, investigations, inspections, convictions, lawsuits etc. against PMLA suspects.
• Obtaining and providing mutual legal support from contracting states as regards confiscation of illegal activity and also the transfer of alleged criminals under PMLA.