The Indian government has recovered ₹18,762 crore and attached assets worth ₹17,874 crore since 2019 under strict money laundering and economic offender laws. These efforts, supported by the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act of 2018, have led to the repatriation of 274 fugitives from 36 countries, marking a major shift from previous, slower extradition processes.
The Indian government has reported a significant acceleration in its pursuit of economic fugitives since 2019, leveraging updated legal frameworks and enhanced international cooperation. Between 2019 and 2026, authorities successfully attached assets valued at ₹17,874 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Furthermore, ₹18,762 crore in illicit assets have been recovered and returned to the state, affected institutions, or victims.
Strengthening Legal and Global Enforcement
A critical turning point in this effort was the enactment of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act in 2018. This legislation was designed to address legal gaps that previously allowed economic offenders to avoid accountability by fleeing the country. By providing the state with stronger powers to attach properties and assets, the government has created a more effective deterrent against those who abscond after committing financial crimes.
To bridge gaps in international coordination, the Central Bureau of Investigation has launched a Special Global Operations Centre. This facility ensures real-time communication with police agencies worldwide via Interpol. By appointing dedicated Interpol Contact Officers across all Indian states, the government has streamlined the flow of information, reducing the bureaucratic delays that historically hindered extradition requests.
Technological Advancements and Extradition Success
The government has shifted toward an intelligence-driven, technology-reliant strategy to track absconding individuals. Initiatives such as Operation Trishul use satellite data, digital footprint analysis, and advanced profile mapping to locate fugitives even when they attempt to hide their identities or change locations. This tech-focused approach is complemented by the use of video conferencing to speed up court hearings related to extradition, minimizing the time spent on legal procedural hurdles.
Statistical data highlights the impact of these changes. The number of Interpol Red Corner Notices issued—a key tool for locating wanted persons—rose from 40 in 2022 to 182 by 2026. This is a marked improvement from the period prior to 2014, when India faced significant challenges, including a limited number of extradition treaties and an average recovery rate of only four fugitives per year. With over 110 requests pending at that time, the current integrated strategy aims to ensure that the process of bringing fugitives to justice is more consistent and efficient.