New Delhi/Washington: Nehal Modi, the brother of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following an extradition request by Indian authorities in connection with the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, reports claimed. The arrest was reportedly made on July 4 after concerted efforts by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Nehal Modi, a Belgian national, has been accused of aiding Nirav Modi in laundering money and destroying evidence related to the ₹13,000 crore bank fraud. Indian investigators allege that Nehal played a crucial role in the movement of high-value assets, including diamonds and other precious stones, through a web of shell companies set up across international jurisdictions.
Sources said Nehal Modi is being held in custody as a US court prepares to hear the extradition plea. A court hearing is scheduled for July 17, during which his legal team is expected to apply for bail. US prosecutors are likely to oppose the bail plea, citing the gravity of charges and potential flight risk.
The Indian government has been pursuing Nehal Modi through diplomatic and legal channels for several years. A Red Corner Notice had earlier been issued by Interpol at the request of Indian agencies. Nehal is wanted under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence, and under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Indian authorities believe Nehal was instrumental in siphoning off assets and arranging the concealment of digital records after the PNB fraud came to light in 2018. Investigators say he facilitated the disappearance of crucial servers and mobile devices belonging to dummy firms used in the alleged scam.
The Indian government, through its agencies, is expected to present comprehensive documentation to American authorities to ensure Nehal Modi’s extradition. Officials say the process could take several months depending on how the case proceeds in the U.S. judicial system.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has been coordinating with the US Department of Justice to facilitate the legal formalities required under the bilateral extradition treaty.
