274 fugitive criminals brought back to India from 36 countries between 2021 and 2026

Why in news

The article highlights the Indian government's efforts and strategy in bringing back fugitive criminals from abroad, emphasizing a proactive approach under the current leadership.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS4 · Governance, Internal Security, Polity · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. 274 fugitive criminals were brought back to India from 36 countries between 2021 and 2026.
2. The current government has made the extradition of fugitives a 'national priority'.
3. India has developed an integrated, intelligence-led and technology-driven model to combat fugitive criminals.
4. The strategy against fugitive criminals is built on three pillars: Global operations, Robust coordination, and Smart diplomacy.
5. There has been a significant increase in the issuance of INTERPOL Red Corner Notices, with 401 notices issued against fugitive criminals in the last three years.
6. BHARATPOL was launched, connecting over 1,400 agencies with INTERPOL, reducing information sharing time to 3-10 days.
7. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Amendment Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Act were enacted in 2019.
8. Three new criminal laws introduced special provisions relating to fugitives.

Prelims pointers

• Between 2021 and 2026, 274 fugitive criminals were brought back to India from 36 countries.
• The government's strategy against fugitive criminals is based on Global operations, Robust coordination, and Smart diplomacy.
• Over 401 INTERPOL Red Corner Notices were issued against fugitive criminals in the last three years.
• BHARATPOL connects over 1,400 agencies with INTERPOL.
• The NIA Amendment Act and UAPA Act were enacted in 2019.

Mains practice question

Discuss the challenges and strategies employed by India in combating the issue of fugitive economic offenders and their extradition. Analyze the significance of recent legal and technological measures in this regard.

Static linkage

The extradition of fugitive criminals is linked to international cooperation in criminal matters, which is governed by bilateral treaties and international conventions. The article mentions the role of INTERPOL and domestic laws like the NIA Act and UAPA Act, which are crucial for investigating and prosecuting offenses with cross-border implications.

Significance

The proactive approach to extraditing fugitive criminals is significant for upholding the rule of law, ensuring economic stability by recovering assets, maintaining law and order, and strengthening national security. It signals India's commitment to not allowing criminals to evade justice by fleeing the country and enhances its credibility in international law enforcement cooperation.