CBI Nabs Harnek Singh in Singapore Cyber Fraud Case After Years on the Run

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The Central Bureau of Investigation has detained Harnek Singh at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport following his deportation from the United States. This marks the conclusion of a decade-long effort to apprehend an individual accused of orchestrating a cyber fraud scheme linked to Singapore.

Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme

The fraudulent activity involved deceptive tactics where perpetrators, based in India, conducted spoofed calls to victims. They impersonated officials from Singapore’s immigration authorities, threatening individuals with deportation and claiming they had submitted incorrect airport arrival documents. Victims were coerced into paying supposed settlement fees, with funds transferred via Western Union to accounts in India.

Singh’s Role in the Scheme

Singh is alleged to have operated a money-transfer network alongside co-accused Aditya Bhardwaj and Deepak Jain to process the illicit proceeds.

Singh’s Escape and Legal Proceedings

Singh fled India in May 2013 and later entered the United States illegally. During his time abroad, the trial of Bhardwaj and Jain concluded in 2025, with both convicted by the Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI Cases) in Panchkula. Singh failed to appear in court despite multiple summons and a bailable warrant served through the U.S. Department of Justice.

Legal Consequences

In response, the court issued an open-dated non-bailable warrant against him in April 2024. International efforts to locate Singh included securing an Interpol Red Notice and issuing a Look-Out Circular for his passport.

Arrest and Next Steps

Singh was taken into custody at Indira Gandhi International Airport on September 9 after being deported from the United States. He is now facing legal proceedings in India. CBI officials plan to present him before the Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI Cases) in Panchkula, Haryana, as soon as possible.

Case Significance

The case highlights the complexities of cross-border cybercrime investigations and the challenges of tracking fugitives who evade justice for extended periods.