CBI Brings Back Monika Kapoor, Fugitive Economic Offender
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured the custody of economic offender Monika Kapoor, who has been on the run since 1999. Kapoor arrived in India late evening on July 9, 2025, after being extradited from the United States following a prolonged legal dispute spanning over two decades.
Long Flight from Justice
Kapoor fled to the U.S. in 1999 amid allegations of orchestrating a major financial fraud through forged export documents. In 2010, she was declared a proclaimed offender, with an Interpol Red Corner Notice issued against her. India formally requested her extradition that year under the bilateral treaty with the U.S.
The legal proceedings in the U.S. involved multiple obstacles, including delays in removal hearings and claims filed under the UN Convention Against Torture and U.S. asylum laws. Kapoor argued she would face persecution if returned. However, courts at various levels ultimately ruled that her extradition was lawful, and the U.S. Secretary of State approved the surrender.
Allegations of Multi-Crore Fraud
Kapoor, alongside her brothers Rajan and Rajeev Khanna, is accused of running Monika Overseas, through which they allegedly forged shipping bills, invoices, and export bank certificates in 1998. These documents were used to fraudulently secure six duty-free import licences for gold worth approximately ₹2.36 crore, which were sold at a premium to Deep Exports, a firm based in Ahmedabad. The scheme reportedly resulted in a loss of ₹1.44 crore to the Indian exchequer.
A CBI chargesheet was filed in March 2004, citing charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including conspiracy, cheating, and forgery. While her brothers were convicted in 2017, Kapoor remained absent until her extradition.
Return and Next Steps
Upon arrival, Kapoor is expected to be produced before the appropriate court in Delhi as the CBI prepares to continue legal proceedings. Officials confirm that the agency will pursue the case vigorously, using the extradition as a milestone in India’s efforts to combat economic crime.
CBI Vindicated in Cross-Border Enforcement
CBI sources describe this operation as a significant victory in enforcing economic laws against citizens hiding abroad. Using legal and diplomatic channels, the agency has added another fugitive to the growing list of individuals brought back to India for prosecution.
This case highlights the CBI’s expanded capabilities in international collaboration and cross-border crime resolution, reinforcing its intention to pursue financial offenders beyond national boundaries.
