New Delhi | The Enforcement Directorate has recorded its highest-ever disposal of cases in financial year 2025–26 (FY26), closing 685 investigations during the period, according to data analysed by Moneycontrol. This marks a sharp rise from 198 cases closed in FY25 and is reportedly higher than the total number of closures recorded between 2019 and FY25 combined.
The significant jump in disposals has been attributed to internal reforms, particularly a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) introduced last year aimed at streamlining investigations, reducing pendency, and ensuring time-bound completion of cases. Under the revised framework, field units have been instructed to identify cases where investigations are substantially complete and ready for prosecution.
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According to the data reviewed by Moneycontrol, out of the 685 closures in FY26, around 200 cases were classified as archival closures, while another 200 fell under “Statistical Closure-II.” Other cases included matters where courts quashed prosecution complaints or where legal and procedural hurdles prevented further progress.
Under the ED’s classification system, “Statistical Closure-I” refers to cases where investigations are completed and prosecution complaints are filed before special courts under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). “Statistical Closure-II” applies to cases where investigations are completed but accused persons remain untraceable or assets could not be identified despite efforts. These cases can be reopened if new evidence emerges, subject to approval by senior ED authorities.
The disposal surge has come alongside a record rise in new investigations. The agency registered 1,080 fresh cases in FY26, the highest annual intake to date. Since 2005, the total number of investigations initiated by the agency has reached 8,851.
Alongside the increase in case workload, the ED also reported record property attachments during the year. Assets worth ₹81,400 crore were attached in FY26, marking the highest annual figure in its history. This has pushed the cumulative value of attached assets to approximately ₹2.36 lakh crore.
In addition, the agency facilitated restitution of around ₹32,000 crore to victims of financial crimes during the year. Restitution refers to the return or compensation of assets recovered from proceeds of crime through court-supervised mechanisms, aimed at compensating affected individuals.
The simultaneous rise in investigations, disposals, and asset attachments highlights the expanding scope and operational intensity of the Enforcement Directorate. However, this rapid expansion also comes with increasing administrative pressure and workload challenges.
Officials cited in reports indicate that the agency currently has around 2,000 officers, with nearly 70% on deputation from other government departments. Experts suggest that such a high reliance on deputation staff can sometimes affect continuity and efficiency in complex financial investigations, especially as case volumes continue to rise.
At the same time, the agency’s growing footprint has sparked wider debate over its expanding role, operational capacity, and investigative reach. While the rise in asset attachments and case disposals is being viewed as a sign of stronger enforcement against financial crime, concerns remain regarding workload management and institutional balance.
The ED maintains that ongoing reforms, including the new SOP framework and improved case management systems, are aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing pendency without compromising investigative quality. The agency is also expected to further strengthen its digital infrastructure in the coming years to speed up investigations and improve coordination across field units.
