Nehal Modi is a businessman and politician who became widely known for his involvement in one of India’s biggest financial scandals. Born on March 3, 1979, in Antwerp, Belgium, Nehal comes from a well-established Gujarati family with deep roots in the diamond trade. His father, Deepak Keshavlal Modi, was a traditional jeweller, and the family had been in the jewellery business for nearly seven generations.
Nehal’s name gained attention not for his business success, but for his connection to the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, where his brother Nirav Modi was the prime accused. Nehal was later found guilty of fraud in the United States and was arrested in 2025 based on an extradition request from Indian authorities. He was accused of helping move illegal funds, hiding evidence, and threatening witnesses.
Early Life and Background
Nehal was born on March 3, 1979, in Antwerp, Belgium. His birth into a Gujarati family meant that even though he lived in Europe, his cultural roots were deeply Indian. The Gujarati community in Antwerp is known for its strong ties to the diamond industry, and Nehal’s upbringing reflected that. His family spoke Gujarati at home, celebrated Indian festivals, and maintained close ties with relatives in Gujarat.
His hometown, Palanpur in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, remained an important part of his identity. Even though he lived abroad, Nehal often visited India and kept in touch with his roots. This dual identity—Belgian by nationality and Gujarati by heritage—shaped his worldview and business style. He was comfortable in both Western and Indian settings, which helped him build connections across borders.
Family and Siblings
Nehal grew up in a family that was both close-knit and business-oriented. His father, Deepak Keshavlal Modi, was a respected jeweller who taught his children the value of hard work and tradition. His mother, Gita Modi, added a touch of elegance to the household with her work in interior design. Together, they created a home that balanced business with culture.
Nehal had three siblings—two brothers and one sister. His elder brother, Nirav Modi, became a well-known figure in the diamond world before falling from grace due to the PNB scam. His younger brother, Neeshal Modi, also worked in the jewellery business. Their sister, Purvi Modi, stayed out of the spotlight but was part of the family’s inner circle. The siblings often worked together, and their names appeared in various business dealings.
Nehal Modi Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nehal Modi |
| Date of Birth | 3 March 1979 (Saturday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 47 Years |
| Birthplace | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Ethnicity | Gujarati |
| Hometown | Palanpur, Banaskantha, Gujarat, India |
| Profession | Politician, Businessman |
| Known For | Arrested in connection with Nirav Modi’s money laundering case |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 65 Kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Father | Deepak Keshavlal Modi (Jeweller) |
| Mother | Gita Modi (Interior Decorator; died by suicide) |
| Siblings | Nirav Modi, Neeshal Modi (Brothers); Purvi Modi (Sister) |
| Legal Status (2025) | Arrested in the U.S. on 4 July 2025; facing extradition to India |
| Major Allegations | Money laundering, criminal conspiracy, witness tampering, grand larceny |
| Interpol RCN Issued | 15 July 2019 |
| Conviction | Found guilty of Grand Larceny in New York (2022) |
| Next Hearing Date | 17 July 2025 (U.S. extradition proceedings) |
Education and Early Career
While there is limited public information about Nehal Modi’s formal education, it is widely believed that he received his schooling in Belgium. Growing up in Antwerp, a city known for its international schools and strong academic institutions, Nehal likely had access to quality education. Given his family’s wealth and global business interests, it’s reasonable to assume he was exposed to both Western and Indian educational values.
His upbringing in a business-oriented household may have influenced his academic choices. Many children from diamond families in Antwerp pursue studies in business, finance, or gemology. These fields help them understand the trade better and prepare them for leadership roles. Nehal’s later involvement in high-level business dealings suggests he had at least a foundational understanding of commerce and negotiation.
Rise in the Jewellery Trade
Nehal didn’t have to look far for a career path. With a family deeply rooted in the diamond business, his entry into the trade was almost expected. He began working with his father and brothers, learning the ropes of sourcing, cutting, and selling diamonds. The Modi family had built a strong reputation in Antwerp, and Nehal was seen as the next generation ready to carry the legacy forward.
His early years in the business were marked by growth and expansion. Nehal was involved in international deals, often traveling between Europe, Asia, and the United States. Nehal’s role wasn’t just limited to selling diamonds. He also explored retail partnerships, branding opportunities, and wholesale distribution. His work with companies like LLD (Lev Leviev Diamonds) and his claims of deals with Costco show that he was aiming for large-scale operations.
Political Identity and Public Persona
In addition to his business ventures, Nehal Modi also stepped into the world of politics. While not much is known about his political affiliations or ideology, he began identifying himself as a politician in public records. This move raised eyebrows, especially given his background in the diamond trade and his family’s legal troubles.
His political identity may have been an attempt to gain influence or protect his interests. In many cases, individuals involved in high-stakes business turn to politics to build connections, gain immunity, or shape public perception. Nehal’s decision to present himself as a politician could have been part of a larger strategy to manage his image and legal risks.
The Costco Diamond Fraud (2015)
Between March and August 2015, Nehal was involved in a major fraud case that would later become a key part of his legal troubles. He approached LLD, a well-known diamond company owned by Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev, with a business proposal. Nehal claimed he had a deal with Costco Wholesale Corporation to supply them with high-value diamonds.
Based on this claim, LLD provided Nehal with diamonds worth more than $2.6 million. The understanding was that Nehal would sell these diamonds to Costco and return the profits or unsold inventory. However, this deal turned out to be a lie. Nehal never sold the diamonds to Costco. Instead, he pawned and sold them at lower prices for his personal gain.
LLD soon realized that something was wrong. They tried to contact Nehal and recover their assets, but he failed to respond. The company filed a complaint, and legal proceedings began. This case became one of the first major frauds linked directly to Nehal and showed a pattern of deception that would later appear in other investigations.
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The PNB Scam Connection
In January 2018, Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s largest public sector banks, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Nirav Modi, Nehal’s elder brother. The case involved fraudulent transactions worth Rs 11,400 crore (approximately $1.4 billion). It was one of the biggest banking scams in Indian history and sent shockwaves through the financial world.
Modi’s name soon surfaced in connection with the scam. Investigators found that he had played a role in helping Nirav move and hide money. He was accused of setting up shell companies, transferring illegal funds, and destroying evidence. His actions were seen as part of a larger conspiracy involving multiple family members and associates.
Interpol Red Corner Notice (2019)
On September 13, 2019, Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Nehal, marking a significant escalation in the international pursuit of justice. The RCN was requested by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), based on charges of money laundering and destruction of evidence in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. This notice alerted all 192 member countries of Interpol to locate and provisionally arrest Nehal if found within their jurisdictions.
The issuance of the RCN signaled that Nehal was no longer just a suspect in a domestic investigation—he was now a fugitive wanted across borders. According to the notice, Nehal was accused of knowingly assisting his brother Nirav Modi in laundering funds through shell companies and destroying key evidence. These actions were part of a broader conspiracy that involved multiple jurisdictions and complex financial maneuvers.
Grand Larceny Conviction (2022)
In July 2022, Nehal was convicted of Grand Larceny in the First Degree by a New York State Supreme Court jury. The case stemmed from a fraudulent scheme in which Nehal obtained over $2.6 million worth of diamonds from LLD Diamonds USA, falsely claiming he had a deal with Costco Wholesale Corporation. Instead of selling the diamonds to Costco, he pawned and sold them at discounted rates for personal gain.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office revealed that Nehal approached LLD multiple times between March and August 2015. Initially, he secured $800,000 worth of diamonds by claiming Costco had agreed to purchase them. He then pawned the diamonds at Modell Collateral Loans for $450,000. Over the next few months, he repeated the scheme, obtaining more diamonds and selling them without authorization. On July 29, 2022, Nehal was sentenced to three to nine years in state prison.
Arrest and Extradition Request (2025)
On July 4, 2025, Nehal was arrested in New York by U.S. authorities following an extradition request from India. The request was jointly submitted by the ED and CBI, based on charges of money laundering under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and criminal conspiracy under Sections 120B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code. The arrest marked a major diplomatic win for India in its efforts to bring economic offenders to justice.
Nehal’s extradition proceedings are currently underway in a U.S. court. The next hearing is scheduled for July 17, 2025, where he is expected to apply for bail. However, U.S. prosecutors have stated their intent to oppose the bail plea, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of flight.
Role in Money Laundering Operations
Investigations by the ED and CBI have revealed that Nehal played a central role in laundering money on behalf of his brother Nirav Modi. He allegedly used a network of shell companies and overseas accounts to hide and transfer illicit funds. These entities were registered in locations such as Dubai, Hong Kong, the British Virgin Islands, and the United States, making it difficult for authorities to trace the money trail.
Nehal was accused of personally overseeing the destruction of digital evidence, including mobile phones and servers used for internal communications. In one case, he offered Rs 20 lakh to a witness in exchange for false testimony before European courts. The ED found that Nehal had taken diamonds worth $6 million from Hong Kong, 150 boxes of pearls, AED 3.5 million in cash, and 50 kg of gold from Dubai.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Modi’s next major legal milestone is his extradition hearing, scheduled for July 17, 2025, in a U.S. court. This hearing will determine whether he will be sent back to India to face charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Indian Penal Code. The Indian government has submitted detailed documentation to support the extradition request, including evidence of financial fraud, money laundering, and witness tampering.
Nehal is expected to apply for bail during this hearing. However, U.S. prosecutors have made it clear that they will oppose the bail plea. Their argument is based on the seriousness of the charges and the risk that Nehal may flee the country if released. Given his history of international travel and access to resources, authorities believe he could easily disappear and avoid trial.
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