The issue of extradition of economic offenders was discussed in the India-UK Virtual Summit held on May 4

Reiterating that it will continue to make all efforts to bring back fugitives to face justice in India, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the UK has assured New Delhi that it will do its best to have rogue businessman Nirav Modi extradited at the earliest.

In response to a set of questions on extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, diamantaire Nirav Modi and Vinay Mishra from West Bengal charged of cow smuggling, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that the ministry will continue to make all efforts to bring fugitives to face justice in India.

“As for Nirav Modi, you are aware that on April 15 this year UK Secretary of State had ordered his extradition to India. We understand Nirav Modi is seeking to appeal against this decision. He continues to remain in custody of UK authorities,” the MEA Spokesperson stated.

Adding that the issue of extradition of economic offenders was discussed in the India-UK Virtual Summit held on 4 May, he informed that the UK side had run into legal hurdles because of the criminal justice system there and that UK will do whatever possible to make sure earliest possible extradition.

“The UK side conveyed that there are some legal hurdles because of the nature of criminal justice system in the UK but they are aware of the issue and they will do whatever possible to make sure that these people are extradited at the earliest,” the MEA Spokesperson explained.

“As regards to the specific case of Mehul Choksi, we do not have any update this week, he remains in the custody of Dominican authorities and certain legal proceedings are underway,” he said in the weekly virtual briefing.

Informing that he has no information in the case of Vinay Mishra, Bagchi requested media persons to check with the Ministry of Home Affairs on the specific details of all 3 cases.