CBI arrests Ukrainian fugitive after his goa visit

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) (Interpol - India) coordinated the arrest of an International fugitive who was wanted by U.S. department of Justice on charges of fraud in the United States of America, said an official statement on Wednesday.

It was learnt that the fugitive, a red corner notice subject, would arrive at New Delhi from Goa in the night of May 8, and would leave for Istanbul in early hours of May 9.

Further, a request for provisional arrest of the wanted fugitive was also received through diplomatic channels for taking further action as per the extradition treaty between India and the United States of America.

It is alleged that the fugitive and others were part of an International Crime Racket engaged in trafficking stolen and counterfeit credit cards and other criminal activities. The credit card industry has reported fraud losses on these particular accounts to be over US$ 17 Million.

The U.S. authorities discovered over 16,000 stolen card account numbers on the fugitive's email account. The timing of his arrest was particularly significant in that his extradition and prosecution would have been very unlikely had he reached his final destination of Ukraine.

On May 8 it was decided to effect the 'arrest' of this subject u/sec.41(1)(g) Cr.PC by the Police Station of Domestic Airport, New Delhi upon his arrival from Goa.

All the concerned authorities i.e. Delhi Police, CISF and Immigration authorities were coordinated by Interpol Wing of CBI and this fugitive was arrested at Domestic Airport, New Delhi in the night of May 8 by Delhi Police. He was produced before the concerned jurisdictional Magistrate on 09th May, 2010 and has been granted Judicial Custody till May 22.

The concerned officials of US Embassy, New Delhi have been suitably briefed as per Extradition Treaty for procurement of 'Extradition Documents' so that MEA could set up the Extradition Court.