The fugitive diamond merchant has reportedly failed in his final legal challenge before the European Court of Human Rights
July 6, 2026: Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi’s extradition to India has reportedly entered its final stage after he failed to secure relief from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Modi had approached the European court in April 2026 after exhausting all appeal options in the United Kingdom. According to reports, the court did not grant interim relief, effectively ending his legal battle against extradition. With no further legal remedies available, UK authorities have reportedly begun administrative procedures to hand him over to India.
Modi has been lodged in London’s HMP Wandsworth prison since his arrest in March 2019. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are seeking his extradition in connection with the alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and a related money laundering case. His extradition was approved by then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel in April 2021, following which he filed multiple appeals and bail pleas, all of which were rejected. Earlier this year, he also failed in an attempt to reopen the case by claiming he faced the risk of torture if extradited to India.
In a separate civil matter, the High Court in London ordered Modi to pay more than USD 11.5 million, including interest, to Bank of India under a personal guarantee linked to a loan provided to Firestar Diamond FZE. The court upheld the enforceability of the guarantee under Indian law and rejected objections raised during the proceedings. Meanwhile, Modi continues to face three criminal cases in India, including charges related to the alleged PNB fraud, money laundering and tampering with evidence.