A former mining executive has been accused of stealing more than $1.9 million from a Calgary-based company before moving to India.

Yashvir (Jasi) S. Nikhanj, 62, has been charged with one count of fraud and one count of theft over $5,000, Insp. Frank Smart of the Calgary RCMP commercial crime section said Monday.

Police allege that Nikhanj defrauded Leader Mining International Inc. of $1,940,145.24 between July 30, 2002, and April 30, 2004. At that time, he was the firm's president and CEO.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Nikhanj.

Smart said the RCMP will be asking Alberta Justice to seek the extradition of Nikhanj from India, where he is currently living.

Leader Mining International was established in June 1987.

Holdings include the Cogburn Magnesium Project in southwestern British Columbia, the Bright Lake Tantalum Project in north central Saskatchewan and the Knife Lake Copper Project northwest of Flin Flon, Man.

With files from the Canadian Press