Who Is Nirav Modi? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Nirav Modi, born on February 27, 1971, is an Indian diamond dealer and businessman who gained international notoriety due to his alleged involvement in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. As of 2025, Modi is 54 years old. He is a polarizing figure, known for both his luxurious lifestyle and controversies surrounding his business practices. Despite his criminal charges, Nirav's influence in the diamond industry during the height of his career was remarkable.
| Occupation | Fraudsters |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Palanpur, Gujarat, India |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Nirav Modi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nirav Modi stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs approximately 150 lbs (68 kg). His physical appearance has often been described as charismatic, with distinct facial features that have been highlighted in various media covers.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Nirav Modi's dating status remains largely under wraps, especially following his legal troubles. Historically, he was married to Ami Modi, with whom he shares a daughter. There have not been significant reports regarding his relationships post-marriage. Given the sensitive nature of his situation, further personal details are scarce.
His family has been in the diamond business for several generations. When he was 19, he and his father Deepak Modi moved to Mumbai to work with his uncle, Mehul Choksi. Choksi is the head of Gitanjali Group, a retail jewellery company with 4,000 stores in India.
Net Worth and Salary
Nirav Modi’s net worth was estimated to be in the billions before the 2018 financial crisis. However, his assets have significantly diminished due to ongoing legal battles and the fallout from the PNB scam. As of 2025, while exact figures are difficult to obtain, it is believed that his net worth has plummeted to an estimated range of $10 million to $50 million.
It is believed that he was overextended for several years and used new MOUs to pay for the past ones for about seven years.
One of his employees has stated that, "He wanted to grow his business, and to do in five years what might otherwise have taken 20 years." He claimed that "If he’d gone public, maybe he could have pledged his equity, raised some money, and finally paid the bank back. Perhaps he would have done that."
Career, Business and Investments
Nirav Modi began his career in the diamond business in 1999 after leaving India to establish himself in the diamond capital of Antwerp. He quickly rose to fame by offering luxury jewelry that attracted high-profile clientele around the globe. At his peak, he owned a renowned jewelry brand, which included an extensive international retail presence.
However, Modi's career took a dark turn when he became embroiled in a massive fraud case involving Punjab National Bank, which resulted in a $2 billion loss. As legal proceedings continue into 2025, his ability to conduct business or make new investments remains constrained.
After moving to India in 1989 and training in all aspects of the diamond trading business, Modi founded Firestar in 1999 (formerly known as Firestone), a diamond sourcing and trading company. Firestar is the exclusive distributor of Rio Tinto’s Argyle pink diamonds in India.
Social Network
Nirav Modi has maintained a significant presence on various social media platforms, although his accounts may have been inactive due to his legal challenges. He was known for sharing insights into the world of luxury jewelry, but much of his audience has shifted their focus due to the scandals surrounding him.
The ED has also seized four wind power plants, owned by Modi, in Rajasthan with a total capacity of 9.6 megawatt (MW). The plants earn up to Rs 5 crore a year due to a share purchase agreement with Rajasthan's state electricity board. These wind power plants have been operational since 2014.
In March 2018, the ED seized a 5.24 MW solar power plant spread over 135 acres in Karjat in Ahmednagar district worth Rs 60 crore. In May 2018, the CBI and the ED had registered two FIRs each to probe the case.
Education
Nirav Modi attended the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics. His education has often been cited as a contributing factor to his initial success in the competitive diamond industry.
Ami Modi is a US citizen by birth. She ran the "Nirav Modi Scholarship for Excellence", which supported 250 students every year. Ami and Nirav Modi have three children - two daughters and one son. They have attempted to raise their children conservatively and only use Gujarati in their home.
