CBI arrersts Harnek Singh in Singapore scam case, deported from US

The CBI has secured the return of long-absconding accused Harnek Singh, who was evading investigation and trial since 2013. An Interpol Red Notice and Look-Out Circular were issued against him. Singh was deported from the USA and apprehended by CBI officials upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi on Wednesday on September 9, 2026. 
The CBI case, registered in 2016, relates to conspiracy, cheating, forgery and offences under the Information Technology Act. Investigation found that fraudsters impersonated Singapore immigration officials and cheated Indian nationals through spoofed calls. Singh allegedly received the fraud proceeds through his money-transfer outlet. According to the investigation, in 2013, Indian citizens living or working in Singapore were targeted by cyber fraudsters operating from India. The accused allegedly made spoof calls while posing as Singapore immigration officials.
The victims were told that they had provided incorrect information in their disembarkation forms at the airport. They were then threatened with possible criminal action and deportation. The fraudsters allegedly pressured the victims to pay money in the name of settlement fees or fines. The payments were made through Western Union Money Transfer to people based in India.
The CBI investigation found that the money obtained through the alleged fraud was received through a money transfer outlet operated by Harnek Singh. Co-accused Aditya Bhardwaj and Deepak Jain were also allegedly involved in the operation. Singh fled India in May 2013 and later entered the United States illegally. He remained absconding for more than a decade. Proceedings against co-accused Aditya Bhardwaj and Deepak Jain were completed before the Panchkula court. Both were convicted on May 26, 2025.
As per CBI, during the proceedings in the United States, summons and a bailable warrant were also served on Harnek Singh through the US Department of Justice. However, he did not appear before the trial court. Following this, the Special Judicial Magistrate for CBI cases in Panchkula issued an open-dated non-bailable warrant against him on April 22, 2024. The CBI subsequently pursued the matter through Interpol channels, resulting in an Interpol Red Notice being issued against Singh. A Look Out Circular was also issued against his passport. Singh was eventually deported from the US and brought to India. 

(Freelance Journalist)