New Delhi: The Central Government on Tuesday said India has repatriated 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026, marking a significant increase in extradition and deportation efforts compared to the previous decade. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the number represents an average of around 40 fugitives being brought back each year, nearly ten times higher than the annual average recorded between 2004 and 2013. The government also said assets worth ₹17,874 crore belonging to fugitive offenders have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) during the same period, highlighting a broader strategy aimed at dismantling the financial networks of absconding criminals.
The government stated that the fugitives brought back to India since 2019 include individuals wanted in a wide range of criminal cases. According to official figures, nine were wanted in financial crime cases, 17 in terrorism-related offences, 42 in organised criminal activities, 62 in murder, robbery and other violent crimes, 53 in sexual offences including crimes against children, 16 in narcotics trafficking, 12 in smuggling and fake currency cases, 18 in human trafficking, while 45 were wanted for various other offences.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government has adopted an integrated, intelligence-led and technology-driven approach to track fugitives hiding abroad. In a statement, he said the introduction of trial in absentia provisions under India’s new criminal laws has strengthened the justice system by enabling courts to proceed against absconding accused even in their absence. He also said strict implementation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act has resulted in the attachment of assets worth ₹17,874 crore and restitution of ₹18,762 crore in relevant cases.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said India has significantly strengthened its international coordination mechanisms in recent years. It stated that extradition requests are now prepared in a more professional and standardised manner, with documentary requirements and legal assurances tailored to the expectations of the requested countries. According to the ministry, these improvements have increased the effectiveness of extradition proceedings and reduced procedural delays that previously affected many cases.
Official data also showed a substantial increase in the issuance of Interpol Red Corner Notices. According to the ministry, 40 notices were issued in 2022, followed by 100 in 2023, 107 in 2024, 112 in 2025 and 182 notices already issued during 2026. Over the past three years alone, Red Corner Notices have been issued against 401 fugitive criminals. A Red Corner Notice enables law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest wanted individuals pending extradition or other legal proceedings.
The ministry said India’s fugitive management framework has been further strengthened through institutional reforms and improved coordination among multiple enforcement agencies. It highlighted the establishment of a Standing Focus Group under the Intelligence Bureau’s Multi Agency Centre (MAC) in January 2026 to prioritise fugitive cases, standardise dossiers, bridge information gaps and coordinate follow-up with foreign governments. The ministry said the initiative provides national-level support to investigations initiated by both central and state agencies.
According to the government, India’s efforts are supported through close coordination among the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) and state police forces. The CBI has also established a Special Global Operations Centre to coordinate in real time with international law enforcement agencies through Interpol.
The ministry said technological advancements have played a crucial role in locating fugitives operating from overseas. Under Operation Trishul, agencies have used satellite inputs, digital footprint analysis, surveillance and profile mapping to identify offenders who had allegedly changed their names or identities while living abroad. The government also highlighted the launch of the BHARATPOL platform in 2025, which connects more than 1,400 law enforcement agencies across the country, improving information sharing and expediting extradition proceedings through enhanced coordination and digital integration.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
