The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) achieved a significant milestone in its fight against economic crimes by successfully extraditing Monika Kapoor from the United States on July 9, 2025.
Kapoor, the proprietor of M/s Monika Overseas, had been on the run for over two decades, accused in a 2002 import-export fraud case that caused a ₹1.44 crore loss to the Indian government. The case dates back to 1998, when Kapoor, in conspiracy with her brothers Rajan Khanna and Rajiv Khanna, allegedly forged export documents, including shipping bills, invoices, and bank certificates, to secure six Replenishment Licenses. These licenses allowed the duty-free import of gold worth ₹2.36 crore, which were then sold at a premium to M/s Deep Exports, Ahmedabad. The illicit transaction led to significant revenue losses for the government exchequer.
Following a thorough investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet on March 31, 2004, against Kapoor and her brothers under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 467, 468, and 471 (forgery) of the Indian Penal Code. While Rajan and Rajiv Khanna were convicted by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Saket District Court, New Delhi, on December 20, 2017, Monika Kapoor evaded investigation and trial. Declared a proclaimed offender on February 13, 2006, she faced an open non-bailable warrant issued on April 26, 2010, and a Red Corner Notice from Interpol.
The CBI’s relentless pursuit culminated in a formal extradition request sent to US authorities on October 19, 2010. After years of intense coordination, a CBI team travelled to the US to take custody of Kapoor, marking a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to bring fugitives to justice across international borders. Kapoor is now back in India, set to be produced before the concerned court to face trial for her alleged role in the fraud.
