The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully coordinated the return of two wanted fugitives from abroad on Thursday. Haryana-based gangster Venkatesh Garg was extradited from Georgia, while alleged cybercrime mastermind Ganesh Balaso Kale was deported from Thailand.
Extradition of Venkatesh Garg
Venkatesh Garg, wanted in numerous cases of murder and extortion across multiple states, was detained in Georgia last year. Following months of legal proceedings, Georgian authorities approved India's extradition request, and Garg was handed over to an escort team from Haryana Police that traveled to Georgia and returned with him to Delhi on Thursday.
Garg had fled India to avoid trial in a murder case involving a Bahujan Samaj Party functionary in Haryana. An Interpol Red Notice was issued at the request of Haryana Police, leading to his geolocation and arrest in Georgia in November. The extradition process was then initiated by Indian authorities.
Deportation of Ganesh Balaso Kale
In a separate operation, the CBI secured the deportation of Ganesh Balaso Kale from Thailand on June 10. Kale is accused of masterminding a cyber fraud network that lured victims with fake online part-time job offers. Victims were promised easy earnings through online assignments and persuaded to make deposits as investments, only to be defrauded.
Kale allegedly operated a network of cyber financial criminals by recruiting unsuspecting individuals and offering them commissions for using their bank accounts. These accounts were then used to route and conceal proceeds of cyber fraud. Investigators further alleged that Kale directed associates to arrange mobile phones and procure fake SIM cards to facilitate the crimes.
After an Interpol Red Notice was issued in May 2024, Kale was traced and detained by Thai authorities in Bangkok on May 24. Following coordination between Indian and Thai authorities and completion of legal formalities, he was deported to India and arrived in Mumbai on June 11. He was taken into custody by Maharashtra Police's Cyber Cell.
CBI's Success in International Cooperation
CBI officials highlighted that Kale's return was secured within about 20 days of the issuance of the Red Notice. The agency, which serves as India's National Central Bureau for Interpol, stated that more than 160 wanted fugitives have been brought back to the country in recent years through coordinated efforts involving domestic and international law enforcement agencies.
