The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has identified proceeds of crime worth ₹35,925 crore across 257 cybercrime-linked cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the government informed the Lok Sabha.
The disclosure was made in a written reply by the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighting the growing scale and financial impact of cyber-enabled offences in India’s rapidly digitising economy.
Large-Scale Cyber Fraud Under PMLA Scanner
According to official data, the ED has taken up around 257 cases linked to cybercrime for investigation under PMLA provisions up to February 28, 2026. These investigations have collectively led to the identification of illicit proceeds exceeding ₹35,925 crore.
However, authorities clarified that the agency does not maintain state-wise data on such proceeds, indicating that cybercrime-linked money laundering operates across jurisdictions and lacks geographical concentration.
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Inter-Agency Coordination Framework
The government emphasised that the ED works closely with other law enforcement agencies through designated nodal officers for intelligence sharing. Additionally, information is exchanged under Section 66(2) of the PMLA whenever violations involving other agencies are identified during investigations.
To strengthen enforcement, the ED leverages multiple digital and analytical platforms, including:
- Samanvaya, a data-sharing and analytics platform for cybercrime coordination
- SAHYOG for inter-agency collaboration
- Cyber Crime Portal managed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) for accessing FIR data
These systems enable real-time tracking of cybercrime patterns and facilitate cross-state linkages between offences and offenders.
Government’s Standardised Response Mechanism
The Centre has also introduced a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the handling of cybercrime complaints through platforms such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS).
The SOP focuses on a victim-centric approach and aims to enhance coordination between central agencies and State/UT police authorities, which retain primary responsibility for investigation and prosecution of cyber offences.
Rising Threat Of Cyber Financial Crime
The scale of proceeds detected underscores the rapid evolution of cybercrime networks, which increasingly rely on digital payment systems, phishing schemes, identity theft, and mule accounts to generate and launder illicit funds.
Experts note that the convergence of technology and finance, while boosting accessibility, has also expanded the attack surface for organised cybercriminal groups.
A Growing Enforcement Challenge
The ED’s findings highlight the need for stronger regulatory oversight, advanced technological tools, and deeper coordination between agencies to effectively combat cyber-enabled financial crimes.
As fraud networks become more sophisticated and transnational, enforcement agencies are shifting towards intelligence-led investigations and real-time intervention strategies to mitigate financial losses and dismantle criminal ecosystems.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
