India Traces 71 Fugitives Abroad in 2024–25, Highest in 12 Years: Understanding Fugitive Laws and Extradition Framework
CBI and Government Push for Stronger Extradition Efforts
India’s Fugitive Laws: Extradition Act and Economic Offenders Act Explained
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 24, 2026:
India’s fight against fugitives who escape justice by crossing borders reached a new milestone in 2024–25. According to government data, 71 fugitives were located abroad, the highest number in the past 12 years. While 27 fugitives returned to India during the same period, hundreds of extradition requests remain pending worldwide.
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This surge underscores both the scale of India’s fugitive problem and the importance of its legal framework, which includes the Extradition Act, 1962 and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. Together, these laws empower Indian authorities to pursue offenders internationally, confiscate assets, and ensure accountability.
The Numbers Behind the Crackdown
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported that it processed over 22,200 applications related to citizenship renunciation and coordinated with foreign governments to track fugitives. The union home minister has emphasized a “ruthless approach” to extradition, signalling India’s determination to bring back offenders involved in economic crimes, terrorism, cyber fraud, and organized crime.
Historically, the number of fugitives traced abroad ranged between 15 in 2013 and 42 in 2015, before peaking at 71 in 2024–25. This reflects improved cooperation with foreign agencies and stronger use of international mechanisms like Interpol Red Notices.
India’s Fugitive Laws: What They Allow
India’s legal framework for fugitives’ rests on two pillars:
1. Extradition Act, 1962
- Provides the legal basis for extraditing criminals from foreign countries.
- Applies when India has bilateral treaties (currently with 48 nations) or reciprocal arrangements.
- Key principles include:
- Dual criminality: The act must be a crime in both countries.
- Rule of specialty: Extradited individuals can only be tried for the offenses specified in the request.
- Covers both economic crimes and serious criminal offenses.
2. Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018
- Targets individuals who flee India to avoid prosecution for economic offenses involving ₹100 crore or more.
- Allows authorities to confiscate properties and assets of declared offenders.
- Prevents offenders from filing civil claims in India once declared fugitives.
- Designed to address high-profile cases like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.
Together, these laws ensure that fugitives cannot escape accountability simply by leaving the country.
Challenges in Extradition
Despite progress, India faces hurdles:
- Pending Requests: As of March 2025, 533 letters rogatory (judicial requests) were pending with foreign countries.
- Diplomatic Complexities: Extradition often depends on political will and bilateral relations.
- Legal Delays Abroad: Courts in foreign jurisdictions may take years to decide on extradition requests.
- Human Rights Concerns: Some countries hesitate to extradite if they believe the accused may face harsh prison conditions or unfair trials.
Government’s Push for Reform
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stressed that fugitives harm India’s economy, sovereignty, and security, and must fear the Indian justice system. The government is working to strengthen extradition treaties, improve coordination with Interpol, and streamline judicial processes.
Experts suggest India should expand its treaty network, adopt global best practices, and create a centralized monitoring system for fugitives.
Broader Implications
The rise in fugitives traced abroad reflects India’s growing global footprint in law enforcement. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling crimes that transcend borders.
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For citizens, the crackdown reassures that offenders—whether economic fraudsters or terrorists—cannot evade justice indefinitely. For policymakers, it signals the need to balance legal rigor with diplomatic finesse.
Conclusion
India’s success in locating 71 fugitives abroad in 2024–25 marks a turning point in its fight against cross-border crime. With robust laws like the Extradition Act, 1962 and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, the country has the tools to pursue offenders globally. The challenge now lies in ensuring faster extradition, stronger treaties, and effective enforcement.
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