ANDHRA PRADESH: Liquor Scam Fugitives Face Global Hunt
SIT Intensifies Pursuit of Accused
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has launched a robust operation to apprehend eight individuals implicated in a high-profile liquor scam, who are currently evading justice in the UAE (Dubai) and Thailand. Leveraging international cooperation, the SIT aims to secure their return to India through extradition or deportation.
Interpol Red Corner Notices Imminent
To restrict the mobility of these fugitives, the SIT is preparing to issue Red Corner Notices through Interpol. This global alert will facilitate their identification and provisional arrest, pending formal extradition proceedings.
Coordination with Ministry of External Affairs
The SIT has formally engaged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to streamline diplomatic efforts. A detailed communique has been dispatched, requesting urgent assistance under India’s mutual legal assistance treaties with the UAE and Thailand.
Letters Rogatory for Asset Seizure
In a strategic move, the SIT has urged the MEA to issue letters rogatory to courts in the UAE and Thailand. These judicial requests aim to locate and freeze illicit assets and investments amassed abroad from the liquor scam proceeds.
Comprehensive Intelligence Gathering
The SIT has compiled precise intelligence on the fugitives’ whereabouts, which has been shared with the MEA. This data underpins the coordinated effort to track and repatriate the accused swiftly.
Precedent of Successful Extradition
Drawing on past successes, the Andhra Pradesh CID previously extradited red sandalwood smuggler Kollam Gangireddy from Mauritius in 2015. The SIT is now employing similar rigorous measures to ensure the liquor scam accused face justice.
Global Cooperation to Combat Crime
India’s extradition treaties with 48 countries, including the UAE and Thailand, provide a robust framework for this operation. The SIT’s proactive approach underscores India’s commitment to combating transnational financial crimes.
Ongoing Developments Awaited
As the SIT awaits responses from foreign authorities, the focus remains on expediting legal processes. The outcome of these efforts will significantly impact the liquor scam investigation and India’s fight against economic offenses.