India Brings Back 274 Fugitives from 36 Countries in Seven Years

India has successfully repatriated 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026. This represents an average of around 39 to 40 returns each year, a marked increase compared with the earlier period from 2004 to 2013, when only about four fugitives were brought back annually. During the same seven-year span, assets worth Rs 17,874 crore linked to these fugitives were attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, while restitution of Rs 18,762 crore was achieved in related cases, including those involving economic offenders who had fled the country.

Amit Shah | Moneycontrol

Scale and Nature of the Returns

The individuals returned covered a wide range of serious offences. Sixty-two were wanted in cases involving murder, robbery and other violent crimes. Fifty-three were linked to sexual offences, including those covered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Forty-two were associated with organised crime, gangsterism and extortion. Seventeen were connected to terrorist, anti-national or narco-terror activities. Eighteen faced charges related to human trafficking or kidnapping, sixteen to narcotics and drug trafficking, twelve to smuggling, counterfeit currency, cybercrime or contraband, nine to fraud and financial crimes, and forty-five to other offences. Year-wise figures show a progressive rise, with nine returns in 2019, seven in 2020, twenty-three in 2021, forty in 2022, thirty-seven in 2023, forty-three in 2024, seventy in 2025, and forty-five up to July 2026.

Expanded Use of International Notices

A notable feature of the period has been the increased reliance on Interpol Red Corner Notices. These notices request law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal action. India issued 40 such notices in 2022, 100 in 2023, 107 in 2024, 112 in 2025, and already 182 in 2026. Over the past three years, Red Notices have been issued against 401 fugitive criminals, reflecting a more systematic approach to international tracking.

Legal and Institutional Strengthening

Several legal and institutional steps have supported the higher rate of repatriations. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act of 2018 created a dedicated framework for action against economic absconders and the confiscation of their assets. Amendments to the National Investigation Agency Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2019 broadened the scope of enforcement against individual terrorists, handlers and overseas networks. The three new criminal laws implemented in 2024 introduced provisions for trial in absentia under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, allowing judicial proceedings to continue even when an accused remains outside the country.

Coordination among agencies has also improved. The Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, Research and Analysis Wing, National Investigation Agency, Enforcement Directorate, Ministry of External Affairs, Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence and state police forces work in closer partnership. A Standing Focus Group under the Multi Agency Centre of the Intelligence Bureau was constituted in January 2026 to prioritise cases, standardise documentation and maintain sustained engagement with foreign partners. The Central Bureau of Investigation launched BHARATPOL in January 2025, linking more than 1,400 central and state agencies on a single platform and significantly reducing the time required for information sharing.

Role of Technology and Operational Measures

Technological tools have played an important part in locating fugitives who often change names or identities while abroad. Operation Trishul was launched to determine the geo-location of absconding criminals using satellite inputs, surveillance and digital footprint analysis, with assistance from Interpol. Advanced profile mapping has helped identify individuals despite efforts at concealment. Video conferencing has been used to speed up court hearings in extradition proceedings, further reducing delays.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s growing success in bringing back fugitive criminals from across the world reflects a stronger and more determined approach to law enforcement. The sharp rise in repatriations over the past seven years, supported by international cooperation, tougher legal frameworks, and the use of advanced technology, demonstrates that escaping the country is no longer a guarantee of evading justice. Measures such as the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, expanded Interpol coordination, and improved collaboration among Indian agencies have significantly strengthened the country's ability to pursue offenders across borders.

The recovery of thousands of crores worth of assets alongside the return of accused individuals also highlights a broader commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting the public interest. Continued investment in intelligence sharing, digital tracking, and diplomatic engagement can further strengthen India's fight against organised crime, terrorism, economic offences, and other serious crimes. These developments reinforce the message that those accused of violating Indian law can increasingly expect to face the judicial process, regardless of where they attempt to hide.

(Sources: Moneycontrol, India Today, Hindustan Times)