Nehal Modi, Brother Of Fugitive Nirav, Nabbed In US

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI- Nehal Deepak Modi, brother of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, was arrested by U.S. authorities on July 4 in connection with the multi-billion-dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. 

His arrest follows a formal extradition request from India and an active Interpol Red Corner Notice issued at the request of India’sCentral Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

A Belgian national, Nehal Modi had previously attempted to challenge the Red Corner Notice, but his plea was rejected.

Indian investigators accuse Modi of playing a key role in the massive banking scam uncovered in early 2018, which led to losses exceeding $2 billion. He is alleged to have aided his brother Nirav in tampering with evidence, intimidating witnesses, and obstructing the investigation once the scandal broke.

Authorities also allege that Nehal helped launder thousands of crores of illicit funds through shell companies and cross-border transactions. The funds, investigators claim, were routed with the help of Nirav Modi, the primary accused, who remains in a UK prison while fighting extradition to India.

Nehal Modi’s extradition hearing is set for July 17. Although his legal team is expected to seek bail, U.S. prosecutors have indicated they will oppose the request.

The PNB fraud case, one of India’s largest financial scandals, triggered a wider crackdown on banking oversight and high-profile economic fugitives. Alongside the Modi brothers, Mehul Choksi—another key figure in the case—also fled India in 2018. Choksi remains in Antigua, where he is embroiled in ongoing legal disputes, including a challenge to his citizenship.