UK home office approves extradition of Nirav Modi to India

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s extradition has been approved by the UK home office on Friday. In February, a UK court had cleared the first legal hurdle for Nirav Modi's extradition.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s extradition has been approved by the UK home office on Friday. In February, a UK court had cleared the first legal hurdle for Nirav Modi's extradition. Ruling that Nirav Modi can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated $2 billion, a UK court on February 25 said there is prima facie evidence against the diamond merchant. The court said there was no evidence to say that Nirav Modi would not get justice if he was extradited. Nirav Modi is wanted in India for fraud and money laundering in connection with Rs 14,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. A UK court said it was satisfied that there was enough evidence against him for conviction. Nirav Modi, 49, appeared before the UK court via videolink.Westminster Magistrates' Court judge Samuel Goozee had said there were links between Nirav Modi and other conspirators including the PNB officials in the scam. "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 judge ruled.