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The Centre has created a new Directorate of Income-Tax (Criminal Investigations) in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) with immediate effect.
To be known in short as DCI, the new directorate will seek and collect information about persons and transactions suspected to be involved in criminal activities having cross-border, inter-state or international ramifications, that pose a threat to national security and are punishable under the direct tax laws.
It would also investigate the source and use of funds involved in such criminal activities. The DCI can also hire the services of special prosecutors and other experts for pursuing a prosecution complaint filed in any court of competent jurisdiction.
It can also file prosecution complaint in the competent court under any direct tax law relating to a criminal activity. The DCI is also empowered to execute appropriate witness protection programmes for effective prosecution of criminal offences under the direct tax laws.
Info sharing
Also, the DCI can enter into agreements for sharing of information and other cooperation with any central or state agency in India. It can also enter into agreements for sharing of information and other cooperation with such agencies of foreign States as may be permissible under any international agreement or treaty.
The DCI will have eight offices located at Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Lucknow. An officer of the rank of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax will head the DCI and be based in New Delhi.
The DCI will function under the administrative control of the Member (investigation) in the CBDT.
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