White-collar probes usually begin with a suspicious transaction report, data analytics flag, or whistle-blower complaint and then expand rapidly.
Stage-wise Process
- Trigger → STR from bank or GSTN mismatch
- Agency allocation → ED for PMLA, SFIO for complex corporate fraud, CBI-EOW for bank frauds, Delhi Police EOW for local cases
- Powers exercised → Summons, search, provisional attachment, arrest
2025–26 Trend
ED conducted record searches, and agencies now share data seamlessly under the new BNSS framework.
Case Study: Parallel SFIO-ED Jurisdiction
In Sanjay Aggarwal v. Union of India (Delhi High Court, 2025), the court clarified that SFIO investigation under Companies Act does not bar ED from launching independent PMLA proceedings and provisional attachments.
Effective Response Strategy
Never ignore a summons. Engage counsel before the first appearance and file detailed replies with supporting documents.
It is advisable for anyone receiving notices from ED, SFIO, CBI or EOW to consult an experienced lawyer specializing in white-collar crimes and economic offences at the earliest stage.