26-Year Hunt Ends: Monika Kapoor Extradited to India in Multi-Crore Fraud Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully extradited Monika Kapoor from the United States, bringing to a close a 26-year pursuit related to a multi-crore fraud case. Kapoor, who owned ‘Monika Overseas,’ was involved in a scheme with her brothers, Rajan and Rajeev Khanna, in 1998. They fabricated documents to fraudulently obtain six replenishment licenses, which were used to acquire duty-free gold worth approximately Rs 2.36 crore. These licenses were later sold at a premium to an Ahmedabad-based firm, Deep Exports, resulting in a financial loss of around Rs 1.44 crore for the government. A chargesheet was filed against Kapoor and her brothers in 2004. While Rajan and Rajeev were convicted by a Delhi Court in 2017, Kapoor had already left India. She was declared a fugitive in 2006, and a red corner notice was issued in 2010. The CBI requested her extradition from the US in 2010. Following collaborative efforts with US agencies, a CBI team secured Kapoor’s return to India. She will now face trial. The CBI has affirmed its commitment to tackling economic crimes and bringing fugitives to justice, regardless of their location.