India Brought Back 274 Fugitives from 36 Countries Between 2019 and 2026: Government

New Delhi: The Central Government on Monday said that India has successfully brought back 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026, attributing the achievement to reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

According to an official statement, the government made the extradition of fugitives a national priority by strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing international cooperation and deploying technology-driven investigations. It said the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, amendments to the NIA Act and UAPA, and the new criminal laws introduced provisions such as trial in absentia under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The government said more than 1,400 law enforcement units have been integrated through the BHARATPOL platform, significantly reducing information-sharing time with Interpol and other agencies. It also highlighted the launch of Operation Trishul, which uses satellite technology, surveillance and digital footprint analysis to locate fugitives hiding abroad under false identities.

According to the statement, authorities attached ₹17,874 crore worth of fugitive assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) between 2019 and 2026, while ₹18,762 crore was recovered through restitution. The government also noted a sharp increase in Interpol Red Corner Notices, with 401 notices issued over the past three years.

The statement said the returned fugitives were wanted in cases involving terrorism, organised crime, financial fraud, murder, sexual offences, narcotics trafficking, cybercrime and human trafficking. It added that agencies including the CBI, NIA, ED, Intelligence Bureau, R&AW, Ministry of External Affairs and state police forces worked together under a coordinated “Whole of Government” approach to strengthen extradition efforts and improve international legal cooperation.