Nehal Modi, brother of PNB scam accused Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States. This arrest was made following India's extradition request. A hearing on the extradition is scheduled for July 17th. A major success for ED and CBI.
Nehal Modi: Nehal Modi, brother of Nirav Modi, accused in the PNB scam, has been arrested in the United States. American authorities took this action following an appeal from India's CBI and ED. The extradition process has begun, and the next hearing will be held on July 17, 2025.
Major success for India in the investigation of the PNB scam
Another significant development has emerged concerning the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, one of India's largest banking scandals. Nehal Deepak Modi, the brother of Nirav Modi, the main accused in the scam, has been arrested in the United States. This arrest was made by the U.S. Department of Justice on July 4, 2025.
This action was taken based on a formal extradition request from the Indian government. American agencies acted swiftly on a joint appeal from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Extradition process based on two serious charges
The extradition complaint filed against Nehal Modi in the United States is based on two main charges.
Firstly, he assisted Nirav Modi in his illegal activities. Secondly, he concealed crores of rupees of black money and transacted funds abroad through shell companies. The Indian government presented these two cases with evidence before the United States, which, upon acceptance, led to the arrest by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Charges of fund transfer and destruction of evidence
Nehal Modi has been named as a co-accused in the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He is accused of not only transferring illegal funds but also attempting to destroy evidence, aiding Nirav Modi.
This fund transfer was primarily carried out through shell companies and complex financial networks, making it difficult for agencies to understand the correct source and flow of money.
Interpol's Red Corner Notice was issued in 2019
The action against Nehal Modi did not happen suddenly. In fact, Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice against him in 2019. Prior to this, Red Corner Notices had also been issued against Nirav Modi and his relative Nishal Modi. Nehal Modi is a Belgian citizen and was born in Antwerp. He can communicate in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, which may make investigations easier for investigating agencies.
Nirav Modi already in custody in Britain, extradition pending
Nirav Modi, Nehal Modi's brother, is currently in a British jail, and his extradition process is already underway. Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi are considered the main culprits in the PNB scam. They are accused of causing a loss of approximately ₹14,000 crore to Punjab National Bank through fraudulent guarantees and Letters of Undertaking.
Next hearing on extradition on July 17th
The next major step after Nehal Modi's arrest is his extradition. The next hearing, termed a 'Status Conference,' is scheduled for July 17, 2025, in a U.S. court. This hearing will determine the extent to which Nehal Modi is prepared to be handed over to India and whether he seeks bail. It is expected that the U.S. prosecution will bly oppose Nehal's bail application to ensure he can be brought to India.
