New Delhi, July 5: Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following an extradition request submitted by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), officials confirmed today.
The arrest marks a major step forward in India’s ongoing efforts to bring those involved in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud to justice. According to officials, the U.S. Department of Justice informed Indian authorities that Nehal Modi was taken into custody on July 4, 2025.
"This arrest follows a joint extradition request filed by the ED and CBI," said officials familiar with the case to ANI.
Nehal Modi is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in laundering the proceeds of crime linked to the massive PNB scam—one of the biggest financial frauds in Indian banking history. Investigations have revealed that he played a critical role in helping Nirav Modi conceal and transfer illicit funds through a complex network of shell companies and cross-border transactions, violating Indian financial laws.
The U.S. prosecution has filed extradition charges based on:
One count of money laundering under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
One count of criminal conspiracy under Sections 120-B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
The next hearing in the extradition proceedings is scheduled for July 17, 2025, during which a status conference will be held. Officials noted that Nehal Modi may seek bail at this hearing, although the U.S. prosecution has indicated it will oppose any such request.
Meanwhile, his brother Nirav Modi remains in the United Kingdom, where he is also facing extradition proceedings related to the same fraud case.
(With ANI inputs)
