Reporting entity designation expands under PMLA, bringing new activities and professionals within AML obligations.
The PMLA targets prevention of money laundering and confiscation of proceeds; money laundering encompasses concealment, possession, acquisition, use or projection of proceeds as untainted property through placement, layering and integration. A reporting entity-including banks, financial institutions, intermediaries and persons carrying on designated businesses or professions-is subject to AML obligations. Central Government notifications expand the definition of designated businesses to include specified professionals, real estate agents, dealers in precious metals, virtual digital asset service activities and provider functions such as company formation agents, nominee shareholders and registered office providers, with prescribed exclusions.

Bail presumption in money laundering cases requires reasonable grounds to believe accused is not guilty before release.
Money laundering bail applications balance the presumption that bail is the rule against offence gravity and statutory constraints. Courts consider nature and seriousness, evidence quality, accused's circumstances, risk of non appearance and witness tampering, and public interest. The twin condition requires prosecutorial opposition and that, if opposed, there be reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty and will not reoffend; investigative stage, missing materials and absconding principal suspects materially affect this assessment.