Fugitives repatriated to India from 36 countries since 2019, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• India has repatriated 274 fugitives from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026.
• This marks a significant increase, averaging around 40 repatriations annually, compared to about four per year during 2004-2013.
• Assets worth ₹17,874 crore belonging to fugitives have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) during the same period.
• The government attributes this success to an integrated, intelligence-led, and technology-driven approach.

Detailed Insights:

• The surge in repatriations is a result of enhanced global outreach, robust inter-agency coordination, and smart diplomacy.
• Key agencies involved include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• India has strengthened its fugitive management framework through institutional reforms, such as the establishment of a Standing Focus Group under the Intelligence Bureau's Multi Agency Centre (MAC) in January 2026.
• Technological advancements like Operation Trishul, which uses satellite inputs and digital footprint analysis, and the BHARATPOL platform, connecting over 1,400 law enforcement agencies, have been crucial.
• The fugitives were wanted for a wide range of crimes, including financial fraud, terrorism, organised crime, murder, sexual offences, and narcotics trafficking.
• Legal reforms, including the introduction of trial in absentia provisions under India's new criminal laws, have further strengthened the justice system.
• The number of Interpol Red Notices issued has also seen a sharp increase, with 401 notices issued against fugitive criminals over the past three years.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Fugitive: A person who has fled from justice, typically to avoid arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment.
• Repatriation: The process of returning a person to their country of origin or citizenship.
• Extradition: A formal legal process by which a person accused or convicted of a crime is surrendered by one state to another.
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA): An Indian law enacted in 2002 to prevent money laundering and to provide for confiscation of property derived from money laundering.
• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs): Bilateral or multilateral agreements enabling countries to cooperate in criminal matters by sharing evidence and providing assistance.
• Interpol Red Notice: A request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.