New Delhi/London: In a major development in one of India’s most high-profile banking fraud cases, the ₹13,000 crore scam involving Punjab National Bank (PNB) has reached a decisive stage, with fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi now facing the final phase of extradition proceedings. A team of Indian investigators is currently in London, working with British authorities and legal institutions to complete the last set of formalities.
According to sources, the process has now moved from the “litigation” phase—where legal challenges are contested—to the “execution” phase, where extradition is implemented. This suggests that, unless a new legal hurdle emerges, Modi’s return to India could soon become a reality.
High-level meetings in London to fast-track extradition
Reports suggest that the Indian team has held crucial discussions with the UK’s prosecuting authority, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), as well as other concerned officials. These meetings are aimed at finalising procedural and administrative requirements necessary for extradition.
Officials are expected to return to India shortly, signalling that the case—after years of legal battles—is approaching its conclusion. Authorities believe the groundwork for Modi’s transfer is now largely complete.
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Final legal attempt at ECHR, proceedings to remain confidential
Despite setbacks in UK courts, Nirav Modi has made a last legal attempt by approaching the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, France. This is seen as his final effort to delay or block extradition.
The ECHR has decided to keep the proceedings confidential, granting anonymity to Modi. The court clarified that, in such cases where anonymity is allowed, no public details may be disclosed.
Sources indicate that a hearing on Modi’s plea could take place within the next two weeks, during which the Indian side will also present its arguments. If the court rejects his application, it would effectively remove the last legal obstacle to his extradition.
The UK court had already rejected the plea to reopen the case
Earlier, the UK’s High Court of Justice had dismissed Modi’s plea seeking to reopen his extradition case. The court relied on the “quality of assurances” provided by the Indian government, calling them comprehensive and sufficient.
These assurances included commitments regarding humane treatment and prison conditions in India, addressing concerns that could have otherwise blocked his extradition. Following this ruling, Modi had exhausted nearly all legal remedies available within the UK.
In custody since 2019, accused of massive financial fraud
The 55-year-old was arrested in the UK on March 19, 2019, and has since been lodged in Wandsworth Prison in London. He has been declared a fugitive economic offender in India.
Modi is accused of orchestrating the ₹13,000 crore PNB scam in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi. Investigators allege that out of the total amount, approximately ₹6,498.20 crore was siphoned off directly by Modi.
