Nehal Modi Arrested in US Over ₹13,000 Crore PNB Scam: Extradition Sought by India

Nehal Deepak Modi, the younger brother of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following a formal extradition request by Indian authorities. The arrest, made on Friday, stems from his alleged involvement in the massive ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Indian investigative agencies — the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) — have accused Nehal of laundering illicit funds and aiding in the destruction of crucial evidence to shield his brother from legal consequences.

According to officials, the US authorities acted upon the Indian government’s request and are pursuing extradition proceedings based on two major charges: one count of money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and one count of criminal conspiracy under Sections 120-B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code. The next court hearing in the matter is scheduled for July 17, during which Nehal is expected to apply for bail — a move the US prosecutors are reportedly prepared to oppose. Officials added that Nehal, who grew up in Belgium and is fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, played a critical role in concealing Nirav’s assets through a complex network of offshore companies.

The ED further revealed that Nehal Modi, alongside Mihir Bhansali — a close aide of Nirav — removed 50 kg of gold and large amounts of cash from Dubai shortly after the scam was exposed. He also allegedly instructed shell company directors to avoid mentioning his name to authorities. Nehal is named in the official charge sheet and stands accused of willfully assisting in the massive financial fraud that shook India’s banking sector. Meanwhile, Nirav Modi remains in a UK prison, fighting his own extradition case to India.

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