US Demands Extradition of Indian Cop in $400K Extortion Case

The U.S. Attorney's Office unsealed the indictment on Tuesday, charging Nagra, a Station House Officer in Punjab, with conspiracy to commit extortion and aiding and abetting extortion. The charges stem from an alleged scheme that targeted an Indian-American businessman in the United States.

According to court documents, Nagra and his co-conspirators threatened to file false criminal cases against the victim and his family in India unless a $400,000 payment was made. The victim, who resides in the U.S., received threatening phone calls and messages demanding the money to avoid fabricated legal troubles.

The FBI's investigation revealed that the extortion plot was orchestrated from India, with Nagra using his official position to lend credibility to the threats. The victim ultimately paid a portion of the demanded amount before reporting the matter to authorities.

The U.S. has formally requested Nagra's extradition through diplomatic channels. The Indian government has not yet responded publicly, but legal experts say the case could test bilateral cooperation on cross-border crimes involving public officials.

If convicted, Nagra faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized that the indictment is part of a broader effort to combat transnational extortion schemes targeting Indian nationals abroad.