Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, arrested in US on extradition request from India
Nehal Modi allegedly helped Nirav Modi launder funds during UK extradition case
New Delhi: Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following an extradition request by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), officials confirmed on Friday.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in India's efforts to bring to justice those involved in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud—one of the largest banking scams in Indian history.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the US Department of Justice informed Indian authorities that Nehal Modi was taken into custody on July 4, 2025, in response to a joint extradition request filed by the CBI and ED.
The US prosecution’s complaint states that extradition proceedings are underway based on two charges:
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)
Nehal Modi is accused of playing a key role in laundering the proceeds of crime for Nirav Modi, who is currently facing extradition proceedings in the UK. Indian investigators allege that Nehal helped conceal and transfer large sums of illicit money using shell companies and complex international transactions, in violation of Indian laws.
The next hearing in the extradition proceedings is set for July 17, 2025, when a status conference will be held. Officials added that Nehal Modi is expected to apply for bail during this hearing, which US prosecutors have said they will oppose.
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