Fugitive Nirav Modi's Bail Plea Rejected By UK Court As Judge Deems 'Substantial Risk' Of Absconding Justice

Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi's latest bail application in London has been rejected due to ongoing risk of absconding.

File photo of Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi

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Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, incarcerated in London for over five years, faced another setback as his latest bail application was rejected by a UK judge on Tuesday. District Judge John Zani ruled that Modi continued to pose a "substantial" risk of absconding justice, news agency PTI reported. The 52-year-old diamond merchant, embroiled in fraud and money laundering charges in India, did not personally appear for the bail hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court. However, his son and two daughters were present in the gallery.

According to PTI, Judge Zani acknowledged the change in circumstances since Modi's last bail application three and a half years ago but remained unconvinced about granting bail. "I am satisfied that there remain substantial grounds against bail. There continues to be a real, substantial risk that the applicant [Nirav Modi] would fail to attend court or interfere with witnesses," he stated in his judgment.

Highlighting the gravity of the case, Judge Zani remarked, "This case involves, by any footing, a very substantial fraud allegation... not one where bail can be granted and the application is refused."

Nirav Modi Involved In ‘Confidential’ Proceedings

During the hearing, it was noted that Nirav Modi had lost his legal battle against extradition but was involved in "confidential" proceedings initiated by him, possibly indicating an asylum application, according to PTI's report. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian authorities, dismissed claims that the UK Home Secretary may “never be able to order extradition”. 

CPS barrister Nicholas Hearn emphasised the magnitude of the alleged fraud, stating, "He has demonstrated his complete determination to not face the allegations in an Indian court and it is no exaggeration to say the fraud in question is over USD 1 billion, of which only USD 400 million has been seized. Therefore, he could still have access to significant resources in various jurisdictions", as quoted by PTI