Nehal Modi is a Belgian national and controversial figure known for his connection to one of India’s biggest financial frauds involving his brother Nirav Modi. Nehal is also the nephew of Mehul Choksi. He has been accused of helping launder money and was recently arrested in the United States on India’s extradition request. He comes from a multi-generational diamond business family and was once actively involved in the jewellery trade.
Nehal Modi Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Nehal Deepak Modi |
| Date of Birth | 3 March 1979 (Saturday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 46 Years |
| Profession | Politician (Previously: Jewellery Business) |
| Hometown | Palanpur, Banaskantha, Gujarat, India |
| Birthplace | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Religion | Hindu (Gujarati Ethnicity) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Physical Details
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Nehal Modi Early Life
Nehal Modi was born in Antwerp, Belgium, into a Gujarati diamond business family. His father, Deepak Modi, migrated from Gujarat in the early 1940s to grow their diamond trading company. His mother, Gita Modi, worked in interior design but tragically died by suicide.
Nehal grew up deeply rooted in the diamond industry, which has been part of the family legacy for over seven generations. His family connections include his maternal uncle Mehul Choksi (CEO of Gitanjali Gems) and his brother Nirav Modi, both involved in the infamous Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.
Nehal Modi Family Details
| Family Member | Details |
| Father | Deepak Keshavlal Modi (Jeweller) |
| Mother | Gita Modi (Deceased) |
| Brother(s) | Nirav Modi, Neeshal Modi |
| Sister | Purvi Modi |
| Maternal Uncle | Mehul Choksi (Chairman of Gitanjali Gems) |
| Maternal Aunt | Anjali |
Nehal Modi Career & Criminal Allegations
Nehal was once an active part of the jewellery trade, working with family-owned businesses and high-value diamond dealings. However, his involvement in financial frauds eventually destroyed his reputation.
In 2015, he falsely claimed to be partnering with Costco to obtain over $2.6 million worth of diamonds from LLD (Lev Leviev Diamonds). He sold the diamonds for personal profit instead of returning or selling them through legal means.
He was later named in the 2018 PNB scam involving his brother Nirav Modi. On 15 July 2019, Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against him. By 2022, Nehal was convicted of Grand Larceny in the First Degree by a New York jury.
In 2025, he was arrested in the United States after India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted an extradition request.
Career Highlights
| Milestone | Details |
| Early Involvement | Joined family jewellery business |
| Major Scam (2015) | Fraud with LLD using false Costco claim |
| Interpol RCN Issued | 15 July 2019 |
| Conviction (US) | Guilty of Grand Larceny (2022) |
| Arrested | 4 July 2025 in USA on India’s extradition request |
Controversies and Legal Charges
- Charged under Section 3 of PMLA and Sections 120B, 201 of IPC in India.
- Accused of assisting Nirav Modi in money laundering, including hiding assets in Hong Kong and Dubai.
- Allegedly forced witnesses to sign false documents in Cairo, and offered bribes to influence court testimonies.
- Took diamonds worth $6 million and 50 kg gold after the scam exposure.
- Destroyed key records and helped in fund transfers using shell companies.
Nehal Modi Net Worth and Loss
| Attribute | Details |
| Estimated Loss from Fraud | Over ₹11,400 crore (as part of PNB scam) |
| Assets Seized | Diamonds, gold, pearls, and overseas accounts |
| Income Sources (Past) | Jewellery trade, diamond sales |
FAQs About Nehal Modi
Who is Nehal Modi?
He is Nirav Modi’s brother and Mehul Choksi’s nephew, known for involvement in India’s biggest financial scam.
Why was Nehal Modi arrested?
He was arrested in the US in July 2025 for his role in the PNB fraud and money laundering.
What are the charges against Nehal Modi?
He faces charges under PMLA and IPC for laundering money and conspiracy.
Is Nehal Modi related to Mehul Choksi?
Yes, he is Choksi’s nephew.
Where is Nehal Modi now?
He is in US custody; extradition hearing is scheduled for 17 July 2025.
Nehal Modi Recent Updates
- 4 July 2025: Arrested in the United States on India’s extradition request.
- 17 July 2025: Scheduled for first court hearing related to extradition.
- US prosecutors oppose his bail application.
- ED and CBI say his extradition may speed up Nirav Modi’s case as well.