04 December - The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence established in 1957

 

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the primary agency in India responsible for combating smuggling, trade-based money laundering, and other economic crimes. It was established on December 4, 1957. The DRI operates under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which is part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.

The DRI's main objectives include:

1. Preventing and detecting smuggling activities related to prohibited goods, narcotics, wildlife, arms, counterfeit currency, and other contraband items.
2. Investigating cases of customs duty evasion, commercial fraud, and other economic offenses related to customs and excise duties.
3. Gathering intelligence on illicit cross-border transactions and organized crime networks involved in economic offenses.
4. Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and international partners to combat transnational economic crimes.

The DRI operates throughout India and has regional offices across the country. It employs a variety of enforcement techniques, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, investigation, and prosecution, to achieve its objectives. The DRI's efforts contribute to protecting India's economic interests, maintaining national security, and combating organized crime.