Government says stronger enforcement and global coordination have accelerated action against economic fugitives.
Assets worth ₹17,874 crore have also been attached under anti-money laundering laws.
Highlights
- India recovered ₹18,762 crore between 2019 and 2026 from fugitive economic offenders and other restitution cases.
- Assets worth ₹17,874 crore belonging to fugitive criminals were attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- 274 fugitive criminals were brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026.
- Nine fugitive economic and financial offenders were extradited or returned during the period.
- 401 Interpol Red Corner Notices have been issued against fugitive criminals over the last three years.
- Technology-driven investigations, global cooperation and stricter legal provisions have strengthened India’s action against economic offenders.
India has significantly stepped up its crackdown on fugitive economic offenders, recovering ₹18,762 crore between 2019 and 2026 through restitution proceedings, including funds linked to individuals who fled the country after committing financial crimes.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, enforcement agencies also attached assets worth ₹17,874 crore belonging to fugitive criminals during the same period under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The measures are aimed at ensuring that offenders cannot continue to enjoy the proceeds of crime after leaving India.
The ministry said 274 fugitive criminals were brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026. Among them were individuals accused in financial fraud, organised crime, terrorism, narcotics, cybercrime and other serious offences. Official data shows that nine of those brought back were wanted in fraud and financial crime cases.
To strengthen the fight against economic offenders, the government has expanded international coordination through Interpol, enhanced intelligence sharing and improved the preparation of extradition requests. A Special Global Operations Centre established by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now works with law enforcement agencies worldwide to trace and locate fugitives more quickly.
The government also launched BHARATPOL in 2025, connecting more than 1,400 Central and State agencies with Interpol. This has reduced information-sharing timelines to as little as 3 to 10 days in many cases, helping investigators speed up extradition proceedings.
In recent years, the number of Interpol Red Corner Notices has increased sharply. The government said 401 notices have been issued against fugitive criminals during the last three years, while Operation Trishul has used satellite imagery, surveillance and digital footprint analysis to trace offenders who changed their identities abroad.
The ministry added that new criminal laws now allow trial in absentia in certain cases involving fugitive accused, while stronger enforcement under PMLA and improved international cooperation are expected to further strengthen India’s ability to recover assets and bring economic offenders back to face trial.
