New Delhi ,Union Minister Jitendra Singh made a significant announcement today, revealing that assets valued at more than $1.8 billion have been successfully recovered from economic offenders and fugitives within the past four years.
Addressing an event at the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Singh highlighted a substantial increase in the extradition of criminals and fugitives, especially following India’s hosting of the 90th Interpol General Assembly in October 2022.
Minister Singh, who holds the portfolio of Minister of State for Personnel, shared that 19 criminals and fugitives have returned to India this year, marking a noteworthy increase compared to previous years, where approximately 10 such individuals returned annually. In 2022, the figure stood at 27, and in 2021, it was 18.
Singh underscored the impact of legislative measures enacted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, particularly the Economic Offenders Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act. These measures have led to the recovery and attachment of assets belonging to offenders exceeding $12 billion since 2014.
In his address at the inaugural “International Day of Police Cooperation” event, Minister Singh commended the CBI’s dedication to combating economic offenders, fugitives, and money launderers. He also acknowledged that 2023 marks the diamond jubilee year for the CBI, emphasizing its evolution into India’s foremost investigative and anti-corruption agency during its 60-year existence.
