Fugitive Diamond Merchant, Nirav Modi, Believes Ongoing Proceedings Could Prolong His Stay in the UK Indefinitely

In a recent court hearing in the United Kingdom, Nirav Modi, the fugitive diamond merchant wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges, expressed his belief that he could be in England for an extended period of time due to ongoing proceedings hindering his extradition. The 52-year-old former billionaire, who appeared via video link from Thameside prison, addressed the court concerning the legal costs amounting to GBP 150,247.00 that have accumulated as a result of his unsuccessful extradition appeal proceedings in the London High Court.

Sporting a moustache and dressed in a pink prison-issue outfit, Nirav confirmed that he had complied with the court's previous directive to pay GBP 10,000 per month towards the fines. He emphasized that he is in prison on remand and has not been convicted of any crimes. He stated that his continued imprisonment is a consequence of the extradition request made by the Indian government. When questioned about the timeframe for the completion of the extradition proceedings, Nirav expressed his ignorance, stating, "Unfortunately not. To clarify, I was arrested in mid-March for extradition. Some proceedings are still going on which stop my extradition to India... It is very likely I will be in England for a long time, could be three months, six months, could be years," he said.

Considering the uncertainty surrounding the case, the hearing for the unpaid fines has been adjourned until February 8, 2024. Nirav is expected to appear via video link from prison on that date. The outstanding fines balance was confirmed to be GBP 70,247, which the diamond merchant intends to continue paying in order to reduce the balance and avoid contempt of court. In a previous court hearing in September, it was revealed that Nirav had been transferred from HMP Wandsworth, one of the UK's largest and most overcrowded prisons, to HMP Thameside, a privately-run facility in south-east London.

This transfer took place shortly after a terrorist suspect escaped Wandsworth prison, raising concerns about understaffing and overcrowding at the facility. It is worth noting that Nirav lost his legal battle against extradition to India last year. However, his case is now said to be "statute barred," indicating the possibility of further pending litigation related to a confidential asylum application.

The fugitive diamond merchant is facing three sets of criminal proceedings in India, including a CBI case involving fraud on Punjab National Bank (PNB) that caused losses exceeding GBP 700 million, an ED case related to the alleged laundering of the proceeds of the fraud, and another set of criminal proceedings involving alleged interference with evidence and witnesses in the CBI proceedings. Nirav's extradition was ordered by the then UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, based on a ruling by Judge Sam Goozee of the Westminster Magistrates' Court in April 2021. However, with ongoing proceedings and uncertainties in the case, it remains to be seen how long Nirav Modi will remain in England.