Indian, British authorities disagree over treatment of Nirav Modi's extradition

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Sep 18, 2018

As Indian authorities attempt to move along discussions with UK authorities over the possible extradition of the fugitive jewellery tycoon Nirav Modi, British authorities have informed India that details of proceedings may be shared with Modi himself.

British authorities have stated that the letter requesting Modi’s extradition from the UK to India to stand trial for his alleged part in the Rs 13,500 crore ($2 billion) fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB) may be shared with Modi.

As reported by TNN, the letter that contains the details of the extradition request, details of the investigation, evidence, and witness testimonies, could be shared by British authorities with Modi himself.

Indian authorities fear that, if Nirav Modi has access to details about the case, it could give him an unfair advantage in future court proceedings. TNN reported that UK authorities have claimed that Nirav Modi may not have transferred money obtained as part of the alleged fraud to the UK, where he is currently residing.

A number of requests have been sent to the UK concerning Modi including an extradition request and a Red Corner Notice that asks for Modi’s immediate provisional arrest among others.

According to the Times of India, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the UK has asked Indian authorities for more details of the PNB scandal including information pertaining to Modi, his associates, the amount of money that Modi is alleged to have taken himself, and the proceedings of the crime believed to have been transferred to the UK.

Modi has been directed to appear at a special court in Mumbai on September 25 along with his brother and sister who are also accused of being involved in fraud.

As this is only a week away, Indian authorities are trying to speed up the lengthy discussions but this does not appear to be happening till date.