In a major breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has extradited fugitive economic offender Angad Singh Chandok from the US to India.
Chandok is wanted in connection with a high-profile bank fraud and money laundering case and had been absconding for a long time.
He was deported by US authorities and landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport early Saturday morning.
“CBI officials immediately took him into custody upon arrival. He is expected to be produced before a special CBI court later on Saturday, where the agency is likely to seek his custodial remand for further interrogation,” IANS reported.
Chandok’s return marks an important milestone in India’s efforts to crack down on economic fugitives who escape justice by fleeing the country. It also highlights the growing collaboration between Indian and international law enforcement agencies, especially with the United States, in addressing financial crimes that have cross-border implications.
Chandok, 34, was sentenced to six years in prison by a U.S. court in 2022.
“The court had convicted Chandhok in connection with large-scale online fraud wherein he and his associates posed as tech support providers, deceiving victims into transferring substantial sums of money. According to a March 2022 press statement from the US Department of Justice, he was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the scheme,” ANI reported.
According to the ruling, Chandok created and used multiple shell companies to launder millions of dollars obtained through fraudulent means — initially via an online tech support scam and later through a fake online travel fee scheme.
“The court noted that Chandok had a team of at least five individuals working under him and maintained direct communication with high-ranking international members of the criminal syndicate. He was also declared an international fugitive at the time of these offences,” IANS reported.
His deportation is expected to strengthen India’s resolve in pursuing economic offenders and bringing them to justice, regardless of their location.
(With agencies inputs)