Monica Kapoor Extradited: The Woman Who Cheated Indian Government Out of Crores Finally Faces Justice After 25 Years in the US

In a dramatic turn of events, Monica Kapoor—the mastermind behind a multi-crore gold export-import scam—has finally been extradited to India after 25 years of living a luxurious life in the United States. Kapoor, whose name sent chills down the spine of Indian investigators, is now set to face the full force of Indian law.

The Scam That Shook the Nation

The saga began in 1998, when Monica Kapoor, along with her brothers Rajan Khanna and Rajeev Khanna, forged documents and obtained six duty-free gold licenses under false pretenses. Instead of using these licenses for legitimate trade, the trio sold them for massive profits, defrauding the Indian government of ₹1.44 crore at the time—equivalent to over $679,000 USD.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched an intensive probe, but Monica Kapoor managed to flee to the US, leaving her brothers to face trial in India. Both Rajan and Rajeev Khanna were convicted by a Delhi Saket court in 2004, but Monica remained a fugitive—missing, untraceable, and declared a ‘proclaimed offender’ by the court on December 13, 2016.

India’s Relentless Pursuit

Despite Monica’s claims that she would face persecution if returned to India, the Indian government refused to back down. In October 2010, India formally requested Monica Kapoor’s extradition under the India-US Extradition Treaty. After years of legal battles, a New York court finally ruled in India’s favor, ordering Monica’s extradition.

No More Hiding: The End of the Road for Fugitives

On Wednesday night, Monica Kapoor was placed on a US flight to India, where she will now stand trial for her crimes. Her extradition marks a new era for India’s fight against economic offenders, sending a clear message: No fugitive can escape justice forever—not even in America.

A Warning to Other Economic Offenders

The successful extradition of Monica Kapoor has sent shockwaves through the ranks of other high-profile fugitives like Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi. Indian authorities have made it clear that the days of hiding abroad are over. One by one, every fugitive will be brought back to face the law.

India’s Message to the World: Justice Will Prevail

As Monica Kapoor prepares to stand in the dock, the nation watches closely. Her arrest is a testament to the resolve of a ‘New India’—one where no economic offender can remain free forever.