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1,227 new posts in ED as agency plans major expansion across India

2 MIN READ | AUTHOR : Web Desk
PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 08:57 PM IST

enforcement-directorate — Enforcement Directorate

KOCHI: Cases involving money laundering and foreign exchange violations are on the rise. Several cases also involve high-profile persons. However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is struggling to speed up investigations, with a shortage of personnel proving a major hurdle.

The agency will address the shortage by creating 1,227 new posts. This will take its total strength from 2,029 to 3,256.

Five special offices will be opened exclusively to investigate foreign exchange cases. They will come up in Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

The ED will expand its field structure to 50 PMLA zones. The ED currently has 27 zonal offices, including one in Kochi, and 19 sub-zonal offices, including one in Kozhikode. The agency will also expand its cyber and forensic capabilities.

ED Director Rahul Naveen announced the comprehensive restructuring at the quarterly meeting of zonal office heads in Bengaluru. The changes are to be implemented by January 1, 2027. The total number of ED units will consequently rise from 131 to 241.

Investigations to be completed within 18 months

The ED plans to complete investigations within 18 months. At present, some cases take up to five years to investigate. Coordination and information sharing with central and state investigative agencies will be strengthened. The agency will also step up vigilance in fraud cases involving bank loans, mortgaged assets and related matters. Valuation and geo-tagging of seized properties will be completed within six months. The ED will also use NATGRID under the Union Home Ministry to collect and share information.