Nirav Modi can be extradited to India, rules UK court

A UK Court  has said there is prima facie evidence against the diamond merchant Nirav Modi. The Judge also said  there was no evidence to say that Nirav Modi would not get justice if he was extradited. The Judge on Friday dismissed arguments like his mental health worsening during the pandemic and Indian prison conditions. "I am satisfied that Nirav Modi's extradition to India is in compliance per human rights," District Judge Samuel Goozee said, adding that he had the right to appeal the order. 

The judge indicated the case for the high-profile jeweler to face trial in India was strong. He said there were clearly links between Nirav Modi and other connivers including bank officials in clearing Letters of Undertaking that facilitated huge unpaid loans. "Mr Modi personally subsequently wrote to PNB acknowledging the debt and promising to repay. The CBI is investigating that Nirav Modi firms were dummy partners," the judge noted. These companies were shadow companies operated by Nirav Modi, he said. "I do not accept that Nirav Modi was involved in legitimate business. I find no genuine transactions and believe there is a process of dishonesty." 

The manner in which Letters of Undertaking were obtained, "the combination as a whole, takes us to the conclusion that Nirav Modi and co were fraudulently operating", the judge said. "Many of these are a matter for trial in India. I am satisfied again that there is evidence he could be convicted. Prima facie there is a case of money laundering." The Judge said they have received 16 volumes of evidence from India.  Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi is wanted for fraud and money laundering in the Rs 14,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.