Nirav Modi Still in UK: Priti Patel Calls Extradition Delay an Abuse of the System

Priti Patel, the former UK home secretary who approved Nirav Modi's extradition to India in 2021, has said she is "appalled and horrified" that the fugitive diamond jeweller remains in Britain more than seven years after his arrest. Speaking on The Daily Telegraph 's upcoming podcast series The Diamond King, Patel said the prolonged legal delays had angered India and damaged bilateral cooperation, including negotiations over the return of visa overstayers.

The 55-year-old remains lodged in HMP Pentonville in London while India seeks his extradition over the USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud, money laundering allegations and a witness intimidation case. British courts approved his extradition years ago, but multiple appeals, a confidential asylum claim and human rights challenges delayed the process.

The case moved closer to conclusion earlier this month after Nirav Modi reportedly lost his final appeal before the European Court of Human Rights, leaving only administrative procedures before extradition can proceed. Earlier this year, London's High Court also rejected his attempt to reopen the extradition case. India's Ministry of External Affairs has since reiterated that he will be extradited once the remaining legal formalities are completed.