Belgium Confirms Arrest of Mehul Choksi Amid Indian Extradition Request
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Synopsis
Belgium's Federal Public Service of Justice has confirmed the arrest of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case. Indian authorities have submitted an extradition request for him as he faces serious allegations of financial misconduct.
Key Takeaways
- Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium.
- Indian authorities submitted an extradition request.
- Choksi is wanted for his role in the PNB loan fraud.
- Legal proceedings are ongoing in Belgium.
- Choksi may seek bail due to health issues.
Brussels, April 14 (NationPress) The Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) of Justice announced on Monday the detention of Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamantaire associated with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case in India. It has been confirmed that Indian authorities have submitted an extradition request for him.
The FPS stated, "We can confirm that Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He is currently in custody pending further judicial proceedings, and access to legal counsel has been secured."
"It is important to note that the prosecution services reserve the right to withhold comments on ongoing cases. The Belgian FPS also confirmed that an extradition request from India regarding Mr. Choksi has been received. As is customary in individual cases, detailed information cannot be disclosed at this time," they added.
The FPS functions similarly to a Ministry of Justice, aiding in legislative preparation and implementation while supporting the Minister of Justice in relevant areas. It also oversees the judiciary with a focus on coordination and organizational development, ensuring the proper execution of legal and administrative decisions while maintaining legal certainty and equitable treatment for all parties involved.
According to sources, Choksi was apprehended by Belgian law enforcement at India's request for his extradition.
The 65-year-old businessman was reportedly residing in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, having obtained a residency card there.
Choksi is expected to apply for bail, citing health issues among other reasons.
Both Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly defrauding the PNB of ₹13,850 crore.
They reportedly used Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) by bribing officials at the bank's Brady House branch in Mumbai. The CBI has filed cases accusing Choksi, Nirav Modi, their companies, bank staff, and others of conspiracy, cheating, and corruption.
Choksi and Nirav Modi fled India in January 2018, shortly before the PNB scam was uncovered.
Reports suggest that Choksi had been living in Antwerp with his wife, who is a Belgian citizen. An Antigua and Barbuda citizen, he reportedly left the island nation for medical treatment. In 2021, he went missing from Antigua but was later located in Dominica.
Choksi is recognized as the founder of Gitanjali Gems.
Nirav Modi remains incarcerated in the UK as he continues to contest extradition proceedings initiated by Indian authorities. He was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) in 2019, while the ED's case against Mehul Choksi has been pending since 2018.
Sources indicated that Choksi's arrest was prompted after Indian agencies reactivated extradition requests following the removal of the Interpol Red Notice against him.
Despite the deletion, the ED and CBI pursued a new request, ultimately resulting in his arrest in Belgium.
Efforts are reportedly underway to expedite his return to India, though legal challenges in Belgian courts could delay the process.
