CBI Coordinates With Interpol For Return Of 2 Wanted Red Notice Fugitives To India In Major Global Operation
The operation underscores the CBI’s growing expertise in coordinating transnational investigations and highlights the effectiveness of global law enforcement collaboration
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in a significant achievement for international law enforcement cooperation, on Thursday facilitated the return of two high-profile fugitives to India.
The individuals, both subjects of Interpol Red Notices, were brought back from Bangkok, Thailand, and the United States, respectively. The operation underscores the CBI’s growing expertise in coordinating transnational investigations and highlights the effectiveness of global law enforcement collaboration.
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The first fugitive, Janarthanan Sundaram, was wanted by the Tamil Nadu Police in connection with a massive financial fraud case. Sundaram, along with other accused, allegedly cheated depositors of a staggering Rs 87,50,73,778 (approximately Rs 87.5 crore). The case, registered by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in Chennai, involved offences such as criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and violations of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019, and the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors Act, 1997.
At the request of the Tamil Nadu Police, the CBI secured a Red Notice against Sundaram from Interpol on June 21, 2023. The notice was circulated globally, enabling law enforcement agencies worldwide to track his movements.
Sundaram, who had fled to Bangkok, was denied entry into Thailand on January 28, 2025, based on the Red Notice. He was subsequently deported to India and arrived at Kolkata Airport on January 29. Upon arrival, he was detained by immigration authorities and handed over to a Tamil Nadu Police team that had travelled from Chennai to secure his custody.
The second fugitive, Virendra Bhai Manibhai Patel, was wanted by the Gujarat Police in a case involving cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Patel, a former director of the Charotar Nagrik Sahakari Bank in Anand, Gujarat, was accused of orchestrating a fraud worth Rs 77 crore. The case was registered at Anand Town Police Station and included charges of criminal breach of trust by a banker, forgery of documents, and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
The CBI, acting on a request from the Gujarat Police, secured a Red Notice against Patel from Interpol on March 3, 2004. The notice was disseminated globally, enabling law enforcement agencies to track his whereabouts. Patel was detected upon his arrival at Ahmedabad Airport from the United States on January 29 almost after 21 years since the issuance of the Red Corner Notice. He was immediately detained and handed over to a Gujarat Police team that had arrived to take him into custody.
CBI’s Role and International Cooperation
The CBI, as India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, played a pivotal role in coordinating the return of both fugitives. The agency worked closely with the Embassy of India in Bangkok, immigration authorities, and law-enforcement agencies in Thailand and the United States to ensure the successful execution of the operation.
Since 2021, the CBI has facilitated the return of over 100 wanted criminals to India through Interpol channels, demonstrating its increased coordination with international crime agencies through the Interpol.
Next Steps
Both fugitives will now face trial in their respective cases. Sundaram will be produced before a court in Tamil Nadu, while Patel will face proceedings in Gujarat. The CBI has assured that further investigations are ongoing and that more details will be revealed as the cases progress.
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