In a landmark victory for Indian law enforcement, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully extradited fugitive Monika Kapoor from the United States, ending a two-decade-long pursuit in a high-profile import-export fraud case dating back to 2002.
Monika Kapoor, proprietor of M/s Monika Overseas, had evaded Indian authorities for over 20 years after being accused of orchestrating a large-scale import-export scam in collusion with her brothers, Rajan Khanna and Rajeev Khanna.
The Fraud: Forged Documents, Duty-Free Gold, and Government Losses
According to the CBI, Kapoor and her brothers forged key export documents—including shipping bills, invoices, and bank certificates of export and realization—during 1998. This fraudulent paperwork enabled them to acquire six Replenishment (Rep.) Licenses to import duty-free gold worth ₹2.36 crore.
Instead of using the licenses as intended, the accused sold them at a premium to M/s Deep Exports, an Ahmedabad-based entity. The firm subsequently imported duty-free gold using these licenses, resulting in a loss of ₹1.44 crore to the Government Exchequer.
Legal Action: Convictions, Warrants, and Red Corner Notice
Following an investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on March 31, 2004, against the trio under Sections 120-B, 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code. In December 2017, a court in Saket, New Delhi convicted Rajan Khanna and Rajeev Khanna for their roles in the fraud.
Monika Kapoor, however, did not cooperate with investigators or appear in court. On February 13, 2006, she was declared a Proclaimed Offender. Subsequently, an open non-bailable warrant was issued against her on April 26, 2010, and a Red Corner Notice was circulated internationally.
The Extradition Breakthrough
The extradition is the result of intense collaboration between Indian and U.S. authorities. After years of legal procedures and diplomatic efforts, the CBI team travelled to the United States to take custody of the fugitive and bring her back to India.
“This successful extradition is a testament to our unwavering resolve to bring fugitives to justice, no matter where they hide,” a senior CBI official said.
What Happens Next?
Monika Kapoor has now been brought to India and is being produced before the concerned court, where she will finally face trial. Her long absconding period, despite the court proceedings and multiple warrants, could potentially influence the severity of the sentencing if convicted.
CBI’s Message: No Safe Haven for Economic Offenders
This extradition reinforces the CBI’s message: economic offenders cannot escape the reach of justice by crossing borders.
“The agency remains committed to pursuing every legal path to ensure such fugitives face the consequences of their crimes. Economic fraud affects not just the state but the financial integrity of the country, and no offender will be spared,” the CBI noted in an official statement.
