Nehal Modi Arrested in US on India’s Extradition Request
Nehal Modi, the brother of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following an extradition request by Indian authorities. The development marks a critical step in India’s efforts to bring back key individuals linked to one of the largest financial frauds in the country’s banking history.
Arrest Linked to ₹14,000 Crore Scam
Nehal Modi is accused of aiding and abetting his brother Nirav Modi in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam that rocked India’s financial system. The ₹14,000 crore fraud involved the illegal issuance of Letters of Undertaking and fraudulent transactions by companies controlled by the Modi family. Indian agencies have accused Nehal of being complicit in laundering funds and concealing assets.
Extradition Process and Legal Steps
After the Indian government formally submitted an extradition request, U.S. authorities detained Nehal Modi. He is now in judicial custody pending legal proceedings in an American court. The U.S. court will assess whether India has presented enough prima facie evidence under the terms of the bilateral extradition treaty. If the court rules in India’s favor, Nehal will be extradited to face trial.
Tightening the Noose on Economic Offenders
The arrest signals a major breakthrough in India’s campaign to bring back economic offenders hiding abroad. While Nirav Modi remains in the UK fighting extradition, the detention of his brother adds pressure on the wider network of individuals accused of siphoning public money. Investigating agencies are hopeful this will strengthen their case and recover more assets tied to the scam.
India’s Message: No Safe Haven
The Indian government has been aggressively pursuing fugitives under economic offences, and Nehal Modi’s arrest sends a strong message that India is unwilling to let absconders evade justice indefinitely. The coordinated diplomatic and legal approach with the United States underscores New Delhi’s determination to repatriate those involved in high-value financial crimes.
