Money Laundering Cases Surge Against Politicians in Past Six Years

Over the past six years, 132 money laundering cases involving current and former MPs, MLAs, and political leaders have been registered. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary provided detailed figures in Rajya Sabha, highlighting the number of cases filed annually and the resulting convictions.

In a significant disclosure, the government revealed on Tuesday that 132 money laundering cases have been registered against sitting and former MPs, MLAs, and political leaders over the past six years.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary presented detailed figures in the Rajya Sabha, focusing on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) enforcement case information reports (ECIRs), the number of cases under trial, and the convictions acquired.

Chaudhary indicated that between January 1, 2019, and July 31, 2023, the ED filed multiple ECIRs under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against politicians and their affiliates. Notably, the ED registered 15 cases in 2019, 28 in 2020, 26 in 2021, 34 in 2022, 26 in 2023, and three in 2024 (up to July 31). Despite the large number of cases, only one conviction was recorded in 2020, signaling a need for more rigorous judicial processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)