CBI secures repatriation of 2 wanted criminals from Thailand and Georgia

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully coordinated the repatriation of two wanted fugitives from Thailand and Georgia, marking a significant achievement in international law enforcement cooperation.

In one case, the agency secured the deportation of Ganesh Balaso Kale from Thailand within 20 days of obtaining an Interpol Red Notice against him. Kale is accused of operating a cybercrime network that allegedly defrauded multiple victims through financial scams.

According to the CBI, Kale allegedly recruited unsuspecting individuals by promising commissions and interest in exchange for allowing their bank accounts to be used for transferring illicit funds. Investigators claim these accounts were subsequently used to cheat victims in various cyber fraud operations.

The agency further alleged that Kale directed associates to procure mobile phones and fake SIM cards to facilitate criminal activities. Following the issuance of the Interpol Red Notice on May 24, Thai authorities located him in Bangkok and initiated legal proceedings for his deportation.

After completing the required formalities, Kale was deported to India on Thursday and arrived in Mumbai, where he was taken into custody by the Maharashtra Police Cyber Cell.

In a separate operation, the CBI coordinated the extradition of Vainket Garg from Georgia. Garg was wanted by Haryana Police in connection with serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, organised crime and illegal firearm offences.

Officials said Garg had previously been arrested in India but later jumped bail and fled to Georgia. Acting on a request from Haryana Police, the CBI facilitated the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice, which led to his arrest by Georgian authorities.

Following extradition proceedings and legal approval from Georgia, an escort team from Haryana Police travelled to the country to take custody of the accused. The team returned to New Delhi with Garg on Thursday.

The CBI said both operations highlight the growing effectiveness of international cooperation through Interpol channels and demonstrate India's efforts to bring fugitives back to face legal proceedings.