Sun Oct 19 01:06:13 UTC 2025: News Article:
Nirav Modi Claims “Sensational Developments” as Extradition Appeal Reopens
London, October 19, 2025: Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, currently imprisoned in the UK, has hinted at “sensational developments” in his ongoing extradition case to India, where he faces charges of fraud and money laundering related to the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan scam.
Modi, 54, made the claim during a pre-trial review hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on October 17, 2025. He was appearing in court to address a separate case involving an $8 million unpaid debt to the Bank of India, for which Judge Simon Tinkler denied his request to stay the proceedings. The trial for this debt is set to proceed in January 2026.
“They (Bank of India) refer to my extradition… I’m still here. There will be some sensational developments, and I have never used these words before,” Modi stated, expressing optimism about being discharged or granted bail in his extradition case after the court agreed to accept new evidence.
The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed Modi has applied to reopen his extradition appeal, with Indian authorities submitting their response. A hearing is expected in late November.
Representing himself in court, Modi detailed challenges faced in prison, citing eyesight problems and limited access to a computer. These issues, he argued, would make any trial unfair.
The Bank of India, represented by barristers Tom Beasley and Milan Kapadia, is pursuing Modi’s personal guarantee related to a loan to Firestar Diamond FZE, a Dubai-incorporated company. They argued against a stay, stating it would unfairly delay the long-pending claim.
Judge Tinkler acknowledged Modi’s medical issues but ruled the court’s timetable must be preserved. He noted that prison authorities are working to provide Modi with a computer and hard copies of necessary documents.
Modi has been incarcerated in London since March 2019. Previous bail requests have been denied due to flight risk concerns. The order for Modi to be physically present at the hearing led to complications, as he was moved to a different prison, HMP Pentonville. Modi requested a single-occupancy cell in the court order, although the Judge explained this was not within the court’s purview.
In April 2021, the UK Home Secretary ordered Modi’s extradition to India. He has exhausted all prior legal avenues, until recently, when his application to reopen his appeal was accepted in the UK and is set to be heard next month. He faces three sets of criminal proceedings in India related to the PNB fraud, money laundering, and alleged interference with evidence and witnesses.
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