New Delhi: Several applications filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) seeking to declare high-profile accused individuals as Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOs) are still pending before special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) courts across the country.
Those facing such proceedings include controversial preacher Zakir Naik, diamond trader Mehul Choksi, Mahadev betting app promoters Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, as well as relatives and associates linked to major financial fraud investigations.
Officials said the ED has initiated action under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), 2018, against multiple accused persons alleged to have fled India or avoided returning to face prosecution in cases involving financial crimes exceeding Rs 100 crore.
Among the recent developments, Mandeep Rana, accused in the alleged fake degree racket connected to Himachal Pradesh-based Manav Bharti University, was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender on January 3, 2026.
Under the FEOA provisions, a person can be declared an FEO if a court-issued arrest warrant exists against them in a scheduled economic offence and they either remain outside India to evade legal proceedings or refuse to return for trial.
In February this year, the ED approached a special PMLA court seeking FEO status against Sukhwinder Kaur and Gurpratap Singh, daughter and son-in-law of late PACL founder Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, in connection with an alleged large-scale investment fraud linked to PACL Ltd. The matter is still awaiting adjudication.
The agency also moved similar applications against Neeshal Modi and Nehal Modi, brothers of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi and citizens of Belgium, in relation to the Punjab National Bank fraud and connected money laundering investigations. Separate proceedings were also initiated against Aditya Nanavati and Sandeep Mistry, both associated with Nirav Modi’s business operations in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the ED’s plea to declare Mehul Choksi a Fugitive Economic Offender has remained pending since July 2018. Choksi, a former promoter of Gitanjali Gems, left India before the PNB scam surfaced publicly. He later obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda and is currently reported to be in Belgium for medical treatment. Recently, a Belgian appellate court reportedly advised authorities to approve his extradition on most charges sought by India.
The ED had filed its application against Zakir Naik in September 2019. Naik, who is believed to be residing in Malaysia, is wanted in India in cases linked to alleged hate speeches and unlawful activities. Indian agencies have been pursuing his extradition for several years.
Similarly, proceedings against Mahadev online betting app operators Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, filed in October 2024, are also pending before the court.
According to official figures, authorities had initiated proceedings against 54 individuals under the FEOA till March 31, 2026. Of these, 21 have already been declared Fugitive Economic Offenders.
Prominent figures previously declared FEOs include liquor businessman Vijay Mallya, diamantaire Nirav Modi, arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, and family members of deceased drug trafficker Iqbal Memon alias Mirchi.
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act came into force in April 2018 with the objective of preventing economic offenders from escaping Indian law by remaining abroad. The legislation empowers agencies to attach and confiscate assets connected to proceeds of crime, including benami properties and assets of equivalent value.
Officials said the law serves as a significant legal tool to ensure that individuals accused of major financial crimes cannot continue enjoying properties and wealth while remaining outside the reach of Indian courts.
