Scope Of Information Sharing By ED Under Section 66 Of PMLA

In the complex landscape of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, s. 66(2) is gaining increasing importance, governing the sharing of information by the Enforcement Directorate when it suspects the violation of other laws. This article delves into the nuances of s. 66(2) and its implications, scope of ED's power and the duty of the agency which receives such information.

I. Need for sharing information

Information collected during investigations are personal and private and are supposed to be kept confidential. Of course, the agency conducting the investigation may use it for the purpose of bringing in legal consequences under the very law through which such information was collected. The information, however, may be useful for and required under proceedings or investigations under other laws also. For instance, information and evidence collected during an income tax search may also be needed by the GST department for measuring tax evasion.