Harnak Singh Arrested at Delhi Airport After Return From US; Interpol Red Notice, Look-Out Circular Were in Force
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 10: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured the return to India of Harnak Singh, a long-absconding accused wanted in connection with a Singapore-based scam case dating back to 2013. Singh, who had been evading investigation and trial for more than a decade, was apprehended by CBI officials upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, on September 9, 2026.
According to the CBI, an Interpol Red Notice and a Look-Out Circular (LOC) were already in force against Singh. Following his apprehension, he is being produced before the Court of the Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI Cases), Panchkula, Haryana, at the earliest.
The case was registered by the CBI, Delhi, in 2016 in connection with allegations of conspiracy, cheating, forgery and use of forged documents as genuine under the Indian Penal Code, besides offences under the Information Technology Act.
Singapore Residents Targeted Through Fake Immigration Calls
The investigation revealed that during 2013, Indian nationals residing or working in Singapore were allegedly targeted by fraudsters operating from India.
The accused persons allegedly impersonated officials of the Singapore Immigration authorities and contacted victims through spoofed telephone calls. The victims were falsely told that they had provided incorrect information in their disembarkation forms at the airport and could face criminal prosecution and deportation.
The victims were subsequently induced to pay purported settlement fees or fines through Western Union Money Transfer to designated recipients in India.
Money Received Through Outlet Linked to Accused
The CBI investigation established that the cheated money was allegedly received through a money-transfer outlet operated by Harnak Singh, in association with co-accused Aditya Bhardwaj and Deepak Jain.
Singh allegedly fled India in May 2013 and subsequently entered the United States illegally, where he remained absconding for more than ten years.
Meanwhile, the trial against co-accused Aditya Bhardwaj and Deepak Jain was completed before the concerned court, with both being convicted on May 26, 2025.
Non-Bailable Warrant Issued Against Fugitive
The CBI said that despite summons and a bailable warrant being served upon Singh in the United States through the U.S. Department of Justice, he failed to appear before the trial court.
Consequently, the Special Judicial Magistrate, CBI, Panchkula, issued an open-dated non-bailable warrant of arrest against him on April 22, 2024.
The CBI subsequently pursued the matter through Interpol channels, leading to the publication of an Interpol Red Notice against Singh. A Look-Out Circular was also opened against his passport to facilitate his apprehension upon his arrival in India.
CBI Pursues Fugitive Accused Through International Channels
The latest action highlights the CBI’s continued efforts to track and bring back accused persons who evade the legal process by fleeing abroad.
The agency said the operation involved the use of international law-enforcement and diplomatic channels, including Interpol mechanisms, Look-Out Circulars and coordination with foreign authorities.
The CBI reiterated its commitment to ensuring that absconding accused are brought before the law irrespective of the time elapsed.
