“Follow us for quick updates on happenings in ED, including information on notable actions taken against forex and money laundering offences,” tweeted the Enforcement Directorate while launching its Twitter handle on Wednesday.
The next tweet at ED @dir_ed was by its Director, Rajan Katoch: “Happy to be part of the Twitter community.”
The agency, which is mandated to investigate offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, is understood to have entered the world of micro-blogging as a means to bring in greater transparency in its functioning. It would inevitably also operate as a platform for interaction with the public.
Through its Twitter account, the directorate intends to share major developments both within the organisation and on cases which are of larger public interest and can be made public.
While information on officers joining or leaving the organisation will be shared, the agency may also provide details of registration of cases and confirmed attachments of “proceeds of crimes”. Details of arrests, convictions and confiscation of properties will also be put up.
The directorate plans to share landmark court judgments involving the agency. Dr. Katoch, who was appointed Secretary (Heavy Industry) a few days ago, is credited with bringing in a series of reforms within the organisation to make the system more transparent and accountable.
Under him, the directorate recently launched its refurbished website to facilitate public access to important information related to the agency. The agency also made public details of all confirmed attachments, which is intended to act as a notice to people against being cheated into buying such properties.
