A man wanted in India over an alleged multi-million-rupee investment fraud has been deported from Fiji following a coordinated operation involving Indian and Fijian authorities.
Rahul Shamrao Kalokhe was returned to India on Thursday after being traced and arrested in Fiji based on an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of Maharashtra Police, according to India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The CBI said Kalokhe was wanted in connection with an alleged investment fraud case registered by Pune City Police, where he is accused of cheating a businessman of Rs23.8 million (approximately A$555,000).
Investigators allege that Kalokhe promised investors monthly returns of between 6 and 8 per cent through stock market investment schemes before allegedly misappropriating the funds for personal gain.
Following the alleged offence, authorities said Kalokhe fled India to avoid investigation and legal proceedings.
At the request of Maharashtra Police, the CBI, which serves as India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol matters, secured a Red Notice against Kalokhe. The international alert helped authorities locate him in Fiji, where he was subsequently arrested by local officials.
After completing the necessary legal procedures, Kalokhe was deported to India and arrived on 30 July accompanied by a CBI escort team.
The CBI said the operation involved coordination between Indian law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Fijian authorities.
“Following the commission of the offence, the subject absconded to evade investigation and legal proceedings,” a CBI spokesperson told local media.
Authorities allege Kalokhe and his associates attracted investors by offering unusually high and guaranteed returns through investment schemes, collecting substantial amounts of money before allegedly diverting the funds.
A second cheating case has also been registered against him by police in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
The CBI said international cooperation through Interpol channels has helped India secure the return of more than 170 wanted fugitives in recent years.
The agency continues to work with domestic and international partners to track individuals accused of financial crimes who attempt to evade prosecution by moving overseas.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
