The Hyderabad branch of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has emerged as a key player in India’s fight against financial crimes, registering an impressive number of prosecution complaints under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act during the 2024-25 fiscal year. With 49 cases filed, surpassing its own record of 40 from the previous year, this unit has distinguished itself as one of the most active nationwide. The agency also executed provisional attachments worth ₹916 crore, reflecting an increase compared to ₹750 crore in the prior fiscal year. These figures highlight not only the growing scale of investigations but also a strategic emphasis on recovering illicit assets rather than focusing solely on arrests.

In addition to filing numerous complaints, the Hyderabad ED unit was deeply involved in several high-profile cases. One notable example is the supplementary complaint lodged against Nowhera Shaik concerning the alleged Heera Group Ponzi scheme. The agency also tackled other significant matters such as irregularities in PG medical admissions and illegal activities involving unregulated drugs under the NDPS Act. Investigations into money laundering linked to companies like Sahithi Infra and Transtroy further underscored the unit’s commitment to addressing economic offenses. Moreover, the unit pursued two human trafficking cases originally registered by the National Investigation Agency with connections to Bangladesh.

While the focus on property attachments and prosecutions grew stronger, there was a noticeable decline in arrests. Only one individual, connected to the Sahithi Infra case, was detained during the 2024-25 fiscal year, marking a stark contrast to the ten arrests made the previous year. This trend aligns with a broader shift toward enhancing legal proceedings and asset recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the submission of Enforcement Case Information Reports remained relatively stable at 58 for the current year compared to 59 last year.

Looking ahead, the Hyderabad ED unit continues to play a pivotal role in combating major frauds, including those tied to Madhucon Infra, Ranchi Expressway, and the multi-billion Agrigold scam. As these complex investigations unfold, they demonstrate the evolving strategies employed by law enforcement agencies in tackling sophisticated financial crimes.

This year’s achievements signify a redefined approach where strengthening prosecutorial mechanisms and reclaiming misappropriated funds take precedence over traditional arrest-based tactics. By prioritizing these objectives, the Hyderabad ED unit sets a benchmark for effective financial crime management across the country.