Advertisement

Updated October 17th, 2019 at 17:38 IST

Nirav Modi's custody extended till 11 November 2019 in the UK

Fugitive Nirav Modi appeared through a video link for a remand hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, where his custody was extended till 11 Nov

Reported by: Naveen K M
Nirav Modi
| Image:self
Advertisement

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi appeared through a video link for what is called a regular remand hearing at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where he was further remanded in custody till 11 November 2019. It means that Nirav Modi will once again appear through a video link for his hearing. This process would continue every 28 days as it is required by the UK law for those awaiting extradition trial. Modi's extradition trial is scheduled to take place between 11 to 15 May 2020.

Nirav Modi is fighting extradition to India in relation to Punjab National Bank fraud. He is charged with fraud, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. Modi had challenged his extradition in the USD 2 bn Punjab National Bank fraud and is currently lodged at Wandsworth prison in London.

READ | Nirav Modi to appear for video link remand hearing from UK jail

In Judicial custody since March 2019

The diamantaire who was once living around one of the most expensive localities in London – Oxford Street, has been in judicial custody since March 2019 after being arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant against him. He was arrested from a bank in central London while looking to open a bank account. A clerk at Metro Bank had informed the police about his presence which led to his arrest.

READ | Nirav Modi to appear via video link for UK remand hearing

Following his arrest, he was produced at the Westminster Magistrates' Court which rejected his bail plea and sent him into judicial custody. George Hepburne Scott who argued for Modi claimed that his client was a law-abiding person who had been paying his council taxes and had been living openly. In addition, Modi's barrister had put forward 4.5 crores for his bail application but the Court was not convinced.

READ | Nirav Modi's brother Nehal gets Interpol Red Corner Notice in PNB scam

'Nirav Modi was a flight risk'

Jonathan Swain who represented the Crow Prosecution Service on behalf of the government of India opposed his bail plea arguing that Modi was a flight risk. He said that the crime involved huge amounts of money and was “sophisticated” in nature and that Modi would fail to surrender as he had “access to considerable means”.

District Judge Marrie Mallon after hearing the arguments concluded that while she took into account his cooperation and willingness, it was a high-value crime. She said that Modi had access to means, implying that there was a potential flight risk, hence she had substantial grounds to believe that Modi would fail to surrender. Modi's team has made four bail applications since his arrest but has not been successful. The courts have held that Modi was a potential flight risk and also attempts were made to destroy evidence related to the case.

READ | Nirav Modi remand hearing in UK, will appear via videolink

Advertisement

Published October 17th, 2019 at 16:20 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Eknath Shinde
2 minutes ago
High-net-worth women show a nuanced approach to wealth with interest in alternative investments and cautious risk tolerance.
4 minutes ago
Chandrakant Pandit and Gautam Gambhir
11 minutes ago
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
14 minutes ago
UFC Exclusive Erin Blanchfield
17 minutes ago
Shahjahan Sheikh in CBI Custody: First Visual Emerges | WATCH
20 minutes ago
Congress Kangana Ranaut
23 minutes ago
Bengaluru Traffic Restrictions For Feb 25 Owing to Constitution Awareness Campaign: Check Routes
27 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo