Sourcing

Report: Nirav Modi Located in the UK

SourcingAug 23, 2018

Report: Nirav Modi Located in the UK

The New York Times reports that India’s Central Bureau of Investigation is seeking extradition of the diamantaire wanted for allegedly cheating a bank out of billions.

2018_Modi_store_Vegas.jpg
A rendering of the exterior of the Nirav Modi boutique in the Wynn Las Vegas, which is now closed along with the wanted diamantaire’s other U.S. stores. Modi has reportedly been located in the United Kingdom and Indian authorities are seeking to bring him home.

New York—Nirav Modi, the Indian jeweler wanted for allegedly cheating a state-run bank out of nearly $2 billion, has been located and Indian authorities are seeking his extradition, The New York Times reports.

The Times published a story Monday quoting a spokesman for India’s Central Bureau of Investigation as saying that Interpol told the CBI that Modi is in the U.K. The bureau is “moving for his extradition,” the spokesman said.

Interpol, the international police organization, has a red notice out on Modi, which is the alert used to signify that an individual needs to be located and arrested pending extradition.

Neither the CBI nor Interpol responded to National Jeweler’s request for an update by press time.

Born into a family of diamond merchants in Antwerp, Modi ventured out on his own, dealing in loose diamonds before expanding into manufacturing jewelry and then launching his own brand.

Eventually, he began opening upscale boutiques around the world stocked with dazzling pieces from his eponymous line, including on Madison Avenue in New York, the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu and the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas.

Modi’s designs also received plenty of red-carpet play. In what was perhaps his brand’s last splashy Hollywood appearance, “The Handmaid’s Tale” star Yvonne Strahovski donned Nirav Modi diamond earrings and ring at the SAG Awards on Jan. 21.

About a week after that red carpet turn, the 47-year-old diamantaire’s empire began to unravel.

On Jan. 29, the CBI registered a case against Modi, his brother Neeshal and his uncle, Gitanjali Gems Managing Director Mehul Choksi, accusing them of colluding with employees of Punjab National Bank to swindle the second-largest state-owned financial institution out of about $1.8 billion.

Both Nirav Modi and Choksi have denied any wrongdoing through their attorneys.

Since the case came to light in January, the CBI has been on the hunt for both Modi and Choksi, with reports placing the former everywhere from Hong Kong to St. Kitts to New York to London.

RELATED CONTENT: Nirav Modi Case Is ‘Another Nail in the Coffin’
The Times story detailed the frustration in India over fraudulent loans doled out by state-run banks and the government’s inability to bring wrongdoers accused of stealing billions to justice while indigent farmers commit suicide over their inability to pay back just a few hundred dollars.

Along with Modi, there’s Winsome Diamonds’ Jatin Mehta, whom the CBI reportedly charged with bank fraud in June
but who remains out of reach on the island of St. Kitts. The Times also cited the case of Vijay Mallya, aka The King of Good Times, a former member of parliament and airline and liquor magnate who fled to Britain after allegedly cheating Indian banks out of more than $1 billion.

In the diamond industry, the alleged fraud perpetrated on Punjab National Bank put further strain on an industry already struggling with financing and forced four U.S.-based companies to file for bankruptcy: A. Jaffe—which has since been sold—Firestar Diamond, Fantasy Inc. and, most recently, Samuels Jewelers, the 120-store jewelry chain owned by Choksi that filed for Chapter 11 earlier this month.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers in port
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

Jorge Adeler Gods & Heroes coin pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Courtney Leidy Amethyst Silk Cord Pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

NJ Article image.png
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of Relationships

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.

Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Silvia Furmanovich Enchapado en Tamo Wooden Wheat Straw Sun Earrings
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Saracen Casino
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino Store

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Kate Spade New York watches
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New York

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

Stock photo of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.

Monica Rich Kosann Enchanted Garden Cherry Necklace
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is Fruitful

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

Liljenquist new Rolex boutique McLean Virginia
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New Boutique

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

NY Now exhibitor booth
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New Ownership

The show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.

The Retail Smith Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond Market

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Emerald logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald Acquisition

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

Graff Seraphina Brooch and Lina Pendant
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches Metamorphosize

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones Exempt

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

Vhernier Freccia High Jewelry Necklace
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High Jewelry

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

Krista Collins Walters
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of Instore

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Attendees at the Jewelry Symposium
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 Event

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

HOWL Frida Venetian Glass Collar
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ Campaign

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A diamond ring in a jewelry box
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot Sale

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

Unveiling Rarities
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens Memoir

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Guzema Founder and Creative Director Valeriya Guzema and Co-Owner and CEO Mariana Lenha
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year Anniversary

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

Main camp at Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

Necklace from Vhernier’s “Freccia” high jewelry collection
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a Row

Jewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy