New Delhi: The Union government has approved a major manpower expansion for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), sanctioning more than 1,200 additional posts to strengthen the country’s anti-money laundering investigations.

Officials said the Ministry of Finance cleared the long-pending cadre restructuring proposal after nearly 15 years, significantly increasing the agency’s operational capacity.

Strength Revised from 2,029 to 3,256 Personnel

According to officials, the ED’s sanctioned strength has been increased from 2,029 employees to 3,256 — a rise of over 60 per cent.

The approval adds 1,227 new personnel across six cadres within the agency. These include the executive, legal and adjudication wings, which form the backbone of the ED’s investigation and prosecution framework.

Boost Expected to Strengthen Financial Crime Investigations

The expansion is expected to enhance the ED’s ability to handle a growing number of cases related to money laundering, foreign exchange violations and economic offences.

Over the past few years, the agency has witnessed a sharp increase in investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), prompting demands for greater manpower and structural strengthening.

First Major Cadre Restructuring in 15 Years

Officials described the move as one of the most significant organisational overhauls undertaken for the ED in over a decade. The restructuring is expected to improve efficiency, reduce workload pressure and support faster disposal of cases.

The agency functions under the Department of Revenue in the Finance Ministry and is responsible for probing financial crimes and attachment of proceeds of crime under various laws.