274 fugitive criminals brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 & 2026: MHA
Aug 04, 2026
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said that India has brought back 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries between 2021 and 2026, marking a significant step in the government's efforts to strengthen action against offenders who flee abroad.
The Ministry said the enactment of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 has provided a dedicated legal framework to deal with economic fugitives and confiscate their assets. It added that India has developed an integrated, intelligence-led and technology-driven model to trace and bring back fugitive criminals.
According to the MHA, before 2014, India had extradition treaties with only 37 countries and no dedicated law to tackle economic fugitives. It also stated that between 2004 and 2013, India secured the extradition of only four fugitives annually on average, while 110 extradition requests remained pending.
The Ministry said the present government has made the extradition of fugitives a national priority through stronger international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government's strategy is based on three pillars—global outreach, strong coordination and smart diplomacy. He described fugitive offenders as a serious challenge linked to India's sovereignty, economic stability, law and order, and national security.
The Ministry further said that 401 INTERPOL Red Corner Notices have been issued against fugitive criminals over the last three years. It added that the launch of BHARATPOL has connected more than 1,400 agencies with INTERPOL, reducing the time required for information sharing to between three and ten days.
The MHA also highlighted that under Operation Trishul, authorities have used satellite technology and digital footprints to geo-locate fugitive criminals hiding abroad, including those who had changed their names and identities.
