Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Announces Recovery of Billions in Assets from Economic Offenders and Fugitives
New Delhi, September 7, 2023: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, revealed that over $1.8 billion worth of assets have been successfully recovered from economic offenders and fugitives in the past four years. These remarkable recoveries were made possible due to the implementation of the Economic Offenders Act, introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Additionally, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has facilitated the attachment of assets worth more than $12 billion since 2014.
Dr. Jitendra Singh made this significant announcement during his inaugural address at the first-ever “International Day of Police Cooperation.” The event also featured the conferring of Indian Police Medals to distinguished Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers at the CBI Headquarters in Delhi.
Highlighting the noteworthy increase in the extradition of criminals and fugitives in recent years, Dr. Singh attributed this success to India’s hosting of the 90th Interpol General Assembly in October 2022. He noted that in the current year alone, 19 criminals and fugitives have returned to India, with an average of 10 returning annually since Prime Minister Modi assumed office in 2014. In 2022, this number surged to 27, and in 2021, it was 18.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the rise in the repatriation of criminals and fugitives is the outcome of enhanced policing cooperation between India and other nations following the 90th Interpol General Assembly, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the Economic Offenders Act of 2018, underscoring the Modi Government’s determined efforts to pursue economic offenders and recover substantial assets from money launderers.
He further mentioned the G20 Summit happening concurrently, noting that Prime Minister Modi had presented a nine-point agenda against Fugitive Economic Offenders and Asset Recovery at the G-20 Summit in 2018. Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction that the working group has taken decisive steps in this regard.
Dr. Jitendra Singh celebrated the United Nations General Assembly’s historic resolution adopted on December 16, 2022, designating September 7 as the International Day of Police Cooperation, to be observed starting in 2023. The resolution emphasizes the need for international cooperation in combating transnational crime, organized crime, and terrorism.
The Minister also recognized the vital role of women in policing as a special theme for the inaugural International Day of Police Cooperation. INTERPOL, currently celebrating its Centenary year in 2023, is the world’s largest police organization with 195 member countries.
Reflecting on the Central Bureau of Investigation’s history, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted its transformation from a modest beginning in 1941 to a premier investigative and anti-corruption agency in India, established in 1963. He acknowledged CBI’s significant contributions in handling various types of investigations, including economic offenses, banking frauds, and crimes in the digital space.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by commending CBI officers and wishing them continued success in their endeavors.
