India Targets 15 Fugitive Economic Offenders Owing ₹58,000 Crore, Steps Up Global Prosecution Efforts
Government lists Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi among top defaulters; banks recover ₹19,187 crore so far
ED and CBI pursue extradition, asset seizures under Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 02, 2025:
The Indian government has revealed that 15 fugitive economic offenders owe public sector banks a staggering ₹58,082 crore, including principal and accumulated interest. The list includes high-profile names such as Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and the Sandesara brothers, all accused of large-scale financial frauds. The disclosure was made in Parliament during the Winter Session, highlighting the scale of bank defaults and the government’s ongoing efforts to prosecute these offenders.
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Who Are the Fugitive Offenders?
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), 2018 empowers authorities to declare individuals as fugitives if they evade prosecution by staying abroad. As of October 2025, 15 individuals have been declared FEOs.
- Vijay Mallya: Former liquor baron and owner of Kingfisher Airlines, owes ₹22,065 crore. Banks have recovered over ₹14,000 crore through asset sales.
- Nirav Modi: Diamond merchant accused in the Punjab National Bank scam, owes ₹9,656 crore. Only ₹545 crore has been recovered so far.
- Sandesara Family (Sterling Biotech): Accused of bank frauds worth thousands of crores. (Recently Supreme Court allowed them to settle their dues within a timeline.)
- Other names include Mehul Choksi and several promoters linked to major defaults.
Government’s Recovery Efforts
The government has taken multiple steps to recover dues and prosecute offenders:
- Asset Seizures: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties, luxury assets, and bank accounts belonging to fugitives.
- Liquidation: Banks have recovered ₹19,187 crore through liquidation of seized assets.
- Extradition Proceedings: India has sought extradition of offenders from countries like the UK (Mallya), Antigua (Choksi), and others.
- Legal Action: Courts have declared these individuals as fugitives under the FEOA, enabling confiscation of their properties.
Challenges in Prosecution
Despite progress, challenges remain:
- Lengthy Extradition Processes: Legal hurdles in foreign courts delay extradition. For example, Mallya’s case in the UK has dragged on for years.
- Asset Concealment: Many offenders have hidden assets abroad, making recovery difficult.
- International Cooperation: India relies on treaties and diplomatic channels, which can be slow.
Impact on Banking Sector
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The cumulative loss of ₹58,082 crore has strained public sector banks. Of this, ₹26,645 crore is principal and ₹31,437 crore is interest accrued until October 2025.
While recoveries have been significant, banks continue to face challenges in closing the gap. The government’s aggressive stance under the FEOA is seen as a deterrent against future defaults.
Public and Political Reactions
The disclosure has sparked debate in Parliament and among the public. Critics argue that stronger preventive measures should have been taken earlier to stop offenders from fleeing. Supporters of the government highlight the FEOA’s success in recovering thousands of crores and sending a strong message against financial fraud.
Conclusion
The government’s pursuit of 15 fugitive economic offenders’ marks one of the largest financial crackdowns in India’s history. With recoveries of nearly ₹19,187 crore already made, agencies continue to chase remaining assets and push for extradition.
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The cases of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi symbolize both the challenges and determination of India’s financial enforcement system. As legal battles continue abroad, the government’s strategy under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 remains central to ensuring accountability and protecting the banking sector.
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