Nirav Modi Flees on Revoked Passport, Likely to be in Brussels

Although his passport has been revoked by authorities, Nirav Modi has reportedly been traveling on ‘fake passports’.

After fleeing the United Kingdom, fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi is now believed to be in Belgian capital Brussels, say reports.

Although his passport has been revoked by the Indian authorities, Nirav Modi has reportedly been traveling on ‘fake passports’.

The celebrity designer, who is wanted in India for a 13,000 crore bank fraud involving the Punjab National Bank, initially arrived in the UK on his original passport reported NDTV, quoting sources.

Following its subsequent revocation, Nirav Modi is believed to have been using fake passports.

The United Kingdom, in reponse, to a ‘diffusion’ issued by India revealed that Nirav Modi was indeed within their boundaries till 31 March. Following this, he is suspected to have travelled to Paris and then Brussels, reported NDTV. A ‘diffusion’ is a communication made to the Interpol, seeking the arrest or information about a person to aid a police investigation.

The channel notes that thought the passport was revoked in February, it has not hindered Nirav Modi from traveling, which means that either the countries her has visited are not aware of the development, or have simply decided not to pay heed to India’s request.

Meanwhile, officials told NDTV that Nirav Modi was initially issued a N-series passport, which was later upgraded to a Z-series as he was a frequent traveller. Further, it is unclear if Nirav Modi has a Singapore-issued passport, as he is suspected to have traveled to the UK on a Singapore passport.

It is also unclear if Nirav Modi has sought political asylum in the UK.

Currently, the CBI has requested the Interpol to issue red corner notices against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Nirav’s brother Nishal Modi and company executive Subhash Parab.