PNB Scam: PNB not shown as creditor in US bankruptcy filing by Nirav Modi companies

New York: The Punjab National Bank is not shown as a creditor in the bankruptcy documents filed in a court here by three companies affiliated with Nirav Modi. But the document acknowledges that the filing of criminal complaints by PNB regarding allegations of “unauthorised loans” to Modi and affiliated foreign companies were the “events leading” to the filing of the bankruptcy petition.

The only banks mentioned as creditors are HSBC and Israel Discount Bank (IDB), which have outstanding loans totalling $20 million to two of the companies. The IDB’s revolving credit facility is guaranteed by Modi personally, as well as by two other companies, the document said. However, tying up the three companies in bankruptcy proceedings would place hurdles in the path of the PNB when it goes after Nirav Modi assets in these companies.

“In most instances, the filing of the bankruptcy case automatically stays certain collection and other actions against the debtor and the debtor’s property,” warns a note from the authorities that is attached to the bankruptcy documents. ‘‘If you attempt to collect a debt or take other action in violation of the Bankruptcy Code, you may be penalised.”

Also Read: PNB Scam: US won’t confirm reports of Nirav Modi being in the country

The three companies, — Firestar Diamond, Inc. (FDI); Fantasy, Inc. (FI), and A Jaffe Inc. (AJI) — filed for bankruptcy on Monday.  The bankruptcy petition documents, obtained by IANS from the court system, show a maze of inter-connected ownerships that finally lead the three companies through several subsidiaries to Nirav Modi via Hong Kong.

Mihir Bansali, who is shown as the president and sole director of the three companies seeking voluntary bankruptcy, signed the main document for the bankruptcy petition. On Thursday, the Nirav Modi jewellery showroom on New York’s Madison Avenue was closed, with the main entrance locked and shades pulled over the windows. It was not possible to ascertain which company owned the showroom or why it was shut.

The three companies have petitioned under the Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which permits them to operate while they reorganise their operations. Their filing claims that the reason for seeking bankruptcy was that vendors were reluctant to continue doing business with them following the “negative publicity” that has impaired their operations and “created a great deal of uncertainty and confusion in the market.”

The government actions in India disrupted their supply chain, the filing added, which was a reason for the bankruptcy filing. They said they are trying to “reassure their customers and vendors that they were committed to carrying on their business and that swift action was being taken to mitigate the damage caused by the actions in India.