Fugitive Diamantaire Nirav Modi's Younger Brother Nehal Arrested In US On India’s Extradition Request

Nehal Modi, younger brother of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States in response to extradition requests submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The 46-year-old was taken into custody on Friday (4 July), The Indian Express reported, citing news agency PTI.

US authorities have formally informed their Indian counterparts about the arrest.

Nehal is set to appear before a US court on 17 July, where he is expected to apply for bail.

However, the request is likely to be opposed by US prosecutors.

The extradition request is linked to two key charges, money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and criminal conspiracy under Sections 120-B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code.

The charges stem from the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, one of the largest banking frauds in India’s history.

The fraud was allegedly orchestrated by Nirav Modi, Nehal Modi, and their uncle Mehul Choksi.

Nehal Modi, who was born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium, speaks English, Gujarati, and Hindi fluently.

According to Indian officials cited in the PTI report, he is wanted for laundering criminal proceeds on behalf of Nirav Modi, who is currently in a London prison contesting extradition to India.

Authorities allege Nehal helped conceal and move large amounts of illicit funds through shell companies and offshore accounts.

He is named in an ED charge sheet for “knowingly and intentionally” aiding Nirav Modi’s illegal activities and for destroying evidence.

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