New Delhi: A high-level delegation from the UK Monday visited the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in New Delhi and discussed enhancing collaborations in law enforcement. The focus was on expediting mutual legal assistance between India and the UK and prioritising fugitives’ extradition requests.
The members of the high-level delegation included — Executive Director Police Services Interpol and UK’s Secretary General Interpol candidate Stephen Kavanagh, acting High Commissioner of UK to India Christina Scott, Robert Holness from the UK National Crime Agency, and Sorrel Evans from the UK Home Office.
Kavanagh, the CBI said in a statement, held detailed discussions with CBI Director Praveen Sood and other senior officials. According to the statement, the discussions were on improving operational collaboration with the UK in various areas of law enforcement including criminal intelligence sharing and supporting efforts to combat financial crimes, organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and other transnational threats.
“Both sides shared commitment to addressing global crime threats in a coordinated and effective manner, including via Interpol channels,” said the CBI statement.
“The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation between the UK and India in combating transnational crime. It was reiterated to strengthen bilateral ties and work closely together to address common security challenges effectively, including the need for expediting mutual legal assistance and prioritisation of extradition requests relating to fugitives,” the CBI statement added.
Last December, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director visited the CBI headquarters for a similar discussion aimed at “strengthening exchange of information on criminal matters and coordination to combat transnational crimes”. At that time, the focus was on the quick exchange of information about criminals and assistance in bringing back fugitives to face the law.
According to data, 49 fugitives were repatriated by the CBI in 2022-23 — the highest in the past 18 years.
A key role in this was played by Interpol, which ensured the quicker flow of information between agencies, helped in finding geolocations of wanted criminals, and aided their return.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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