Rs 8,100-crore loan fraud case: Hitesh Patel held in Albania

New Delhi: Hitesh Patel, an accused in the Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud allegedly perpetrated by Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech group, has been detained in Albania on the basis of an Interpol notice issued against him by the ED, officials said Friday.

Hitesh Narender Bhai Patel was apprehended by law enforcement officials of that country from the capital city of Tirana on March 20, they said.

The officials later informed Indian investigative agencies about the development and the Enforcement Directorate officials are expected to reach Albania soon to secure his extradition.

"Patel is an accused in the case and is the brother-in-law of one of the main accused, Chetan Sandesara. The other prime accused is Nitin Sandesara. Patel is expected to be extradited to India soon," they said.

The ED had ensued a red corner notice against him from the Interpol on March 11. The detention has happened based on this warrant, the officials said.

The agency said Patel was instrumental in getting dummy directors for shell companies used by Sandesaras.

The Sandesara brothers are also stated to be in Albania and on March 19, a Delhi court had allowed the ED to send extradition requests to that country against the two.