US won't confirm reports of Nirav Modi's presence there
What's the story
The US government is aware of media reports that diamond jeweler Nirav Modi is in the country but is unable to confirm them, a State Department official said on Friday. "We are aware of recent media reports that Nirav Modi is in the United States but cannot confirm them," the spokesperson told about reports that the Indian businessman is in New York. Here's more.
Department of Justice
US's Department of Justice declines to comment on Modi
Asked if the State Department is providing any assistance to the Indian Government in tracing Modi, the spokesperson said, "We refer you to the Department of Justice for questions on legal assistance to the Indian authorities in relation to their investigation of Mr. Modi". However, when contacted, the Department of Justice declined to comment on the Indian businessman.
Investigations
Modi, Mehul Choksi and others investigated by multiple probe agencies
Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank that they allegedly cheated the nationalized bank of over Rs. 12,000 crores, with the purported involvement of a few bank employees. They allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking from its Brady House branch in Fort area for overseas credit from other lenders.
Details
Modi refuses to join CBI's investigation into the alleged fraud
Modi and Choksi, left the country in January, much before the CBI received a complaint from the PNB. When CBI asked Modi to join its investigation into the alleged fraud, he refused, saying he has "business abroad". The CBI then directed him to contact the embassy of India in a country where he is staying so that his travel to India can be arranged.