Archive · 16 Sep 2026
India Brings Back 274 Fugitives From 36 Countries
India says it brought 274 wanted people back from 36 countries.
These people were accused of crimes such as terrorism, murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and financial fraud.
Several Indian agencies worked together to find them.
They used information from international police networks, satellites, and online activity.
Operation Trishul was one of the efforts used to locate people hiding abroad.
Officials also froze bank accounts and seized properties linked to fugitives.
India used extradition treaties, diplomatic talks, and other agreements to bring people back.
Officials said criminals cannot assume they are safe simply because they flee to a country without a formal extradition treaty.
India repatriated 274 fugitives from 36 countries through coordinated law-enforcement and diplomatic efforts.
The Central Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Bureau, RAW, and National Investigation Agency used international cooperation and digital intelligence to locate suspects.
Operation Trishul used satellite inputs, real-time surveillance, and digital-footprint analysis to track fugitives overseas.
Authorities attached nearly Rs 17,874 crore in fugitive-linked assets between 2019 and 2026 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The repatriated fugitives were wanted for terrorism, organized crime, narcotics trafficking, murder, and major financial fraud.
- Who
- India’s Central Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Bureau, RAW, National Investigation Agency, Ministry of External Affairs, and international partners.
- What
- Authorities repatriated 274 fugitives from 36 countries and pursued their assets and cases.
- When
- Between 2019 and 2026, authorities attached nearly Rs 17,874 crore in assets; 274 repatriations were reported as part of the broader recent effort.
- Where
- The fugitives were located in 36 foreign countries and brought back to India.
- Why
- To locate and return people wanted for terrorism, organized crime, narcotics trafficking, murder, and high-value financial fraud.
- Fugitives repatriated
- 274
- Countries involved
- 36
- Asset value attached
- Nearly Rs 17,874 crore between 2019 and 2026
- Key operation
- Operation Trishul
- Legal tools
- Fugitive Economic Offenders Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act
- Recent annual tally
- 71 fugitives were located abroad in one recent financial year, the highest tally in over a decade
- Methods used
- International police cooperation, digital surveillance, asset tracking, and diplomatic negotiations