(a) whether the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can register a money laundering case even in the absence of a First Information Report (FIR);
(b) if so, the statutory provisions in this regard;
(c) whether ED is empowered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to register the Enforcement Case Information Report without an FIR; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (d) Money laundering investigation commences only in cases where proceeds of crime is derived or obtained as a result of criminal activity relating to Schedule Offence as defined in Section 2(1) (u) of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The investigation of the Schedule offence may require registration of FIR or filing of Complaint by the predicate agency under their respective statutes.
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