Interpol notice against Nirav aide

The Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mihir R Bhansali, CEO of Nirav Modi's jewellery firm Firestar International, in connection with a money laundering case arising out of the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank bank fraud case.

According to the Interpol notice, Bhansali (40) is required on charges of "money laundering". The RCN against Bhansali was requested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), officials said.

The ED had said that it wanted his custody in order to its probe in the case forward. The agency also told Interpol that Bhansali was "likely" to travel to the US, the UK, Hong Kong, China or the UAE.

A similar Interpol notice was issued against Nirav sometime back. Bhansali is said to be operating from the US as part of the overseas operations of Firestar International.

Agencies believe that Bhansali can provide details into the working of Nirav's companies and how they managed to get credit facilities from the PNB.

Sources said Bhansali could know where Nirav has parked the money. They also believe that Bhansali might be a proxy for Nirav in buying properties in New York.