India Repatriates 274 Fugitives from 36 Countries Since 2019
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reported that India has successfully repatriated 274 fugitives from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026. This includes individuals wanted for serious crimes such as terrorism, economic offenses, and sexual crimes. The government has also seized assets worth ₹17,874 crores linked to these fugitives. With a significant increase in the number of Red Corner Notices issued in recent years, the MHA emphasizes its commitment to combating fugitive criminals under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This article delves into the details of the repatriation efforts and the types of crimes involved.
Aug 4, 2026, 17:02 IST
Overview of Repatriation Efforts
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on Tuesday that between 2019 and 2026, India has successfully repatriated 274 fugitives from 36 different nations. This group includes individuals wanted for terrorism, gang-related activities, economic crimes, drug offenses, as well as serious charges such as murder, rape, and violations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Furthermore, the ministry revealed that during the same period, assets worth ₹17,874 crores belonging to fugitive criminals were seized through strict enforcement of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Additionally, ₹18,762 crores linked to cases involving 'Fugitive Economic Offenders'—those who fled India after committing economic crimes—were also recovered. The ministry reported that a total of 40 Red Corner Notices were issued in 2022, followed by 100 in 2023, 107 in 2024, 112 in 2025, and 182 so far in 2026. Over the last three years, 501 Red Corner Notices have been issued against fugitive criminals.
Details on Fugitives Repatriated
According to MHA data, out of the 274 fugitives repatriated since 2009, 45 were brought back by July of this year. The numbers indicate a significant increase, with 70 repatriated in 2025 (the highest to date), followed by 43 in 2024, 37 in 2023, 40 in 2022, 23 in 2021, seven in 2020, and nine in 2019. These fugitives were wanted for a variety of serious crimes, including fraud, economic offenses, terrorism, anti-national activities, narco-terrorism, organized crime, extortion, murder, robbery, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and drug trafficking.
Categories of Crimes Committed
Among the 274 fugitives, 62 were wanted for murder, robbery, and violent crimes; 53 for sexual offenses, including rape and POCSO cases; 45 for other criminal activities; 42 for organized crime and extortion; 18 for human trafficking and kidnapping; 17 for terrorism and anti-national activities; 16 for drug-related offenses; 12 for smuggling, counterfeiting, cyber crimes, and restricted goods; and nine for fraud and economic crimes. The MHA stated, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India has taken a firm stance against fugitive criminals, repatriating 274 from 36 countries since 2019. To strengthen actions against fugitives, the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act was implemented in 2018. Under Minister Shah's guidance, India has developed an integrated, intelligence-based, and technology-driven model to facilitate strict actions against fugitives and ease their return to India. The ministry further noted that prior to 2014, India's extradition framework was outdated, with only 37 countries having extradition treaties, and there were no specific laws to deal with economic offenders or seize their assets.