In a major achievement for law enforcement, India successfully tracked down over 70 fugitives wanted in the country abroad during 2024-25, marking the highest number located internationally in more than a decade. Of these, 27 fugitives have already returned to India, according to the annual report released by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. During the same period, 203 fugitives wanted by foreign countries were detected within India.

To facilitate international cooperation, Indian agencies sent 74 Letters Rogatory (LRs) abroad between April 2024 and March 2025, with 54 linked to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases and 20 to state and other central agencies. Out of these, 47 LRs were fully executed, while 29 were partially executed or closed. As of March 31, 2025, a total of 533 LRs remained pending with foreign authorities.

Interpol notices played a critical role in these operations. The report highlighted that NCB-India issued 126 red notices for provisional arrests, 89 blue notices seeking information, 24 yellow notices for missing persons, seven black notices regarding unidentified bodies, and one green notice warning about potential threats. These notices enabled Indian authorities to track fugitives’ movements and coordinate with international law enforcement agencies.

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CBI’s Global Operations Centre (GOC) spearheaded the tracking efforts by geo-locating wanted individuals in collaboration with foreign agencies and Interpol. Once locations were verified, the CBI coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and concerned foreign law enforcement bodies to facilitate the return of fugitives to India.

Experts say the surge in extraditions reflects improved international legal cooperation and India’s growing efficiency in cross-border criminal investigations. Officials emphasized that technological advancements, strategic use of Interpol notices, and proactive coordination between central and state agencies were key to the record outcomes.

The report underscores India’s commitment to ensuring that fugitives cannot evade justice, sending a strong message about the country’s resolve in combating cross-border crime and reinforcing global partnerships in law enforcement.

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