India Collaborates with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's Extradition
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Synopsis
On April 17, India confirmed its ongoing collaboration with Belgian authorities for the extradition of fugitive Mehul Choksi. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the importance of this process in ensuring justice for the Punjab National Bank fraud case. Choksi was arrested in Belgium, and India's extradition request is in progress.
Key Takeaways
- India is working with Belgium on Choksi's extradition.
- Choksi was arrested based on India's request.
- He is wanted for the PNB loan fraud.
- Legal counsel access has been ensured for Choksi.
- The extradition request process is ongoing.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) India has stated that it is actively collaborating with Belgian authorities regarding the extradition of the fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi back to India.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), affirmed during a routine media briefing that, "Based on our extradition request, he was apprehended in Belgium. We are working closely with the Belgian authorities to secure his return to India so that he can face justice in our country."
On Monday, the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) of Justice confirmed Choksi's arrest, who is sought in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case in India. The FPS disclosed that Indian authorities had already submitted an extradition request for him.
According to the FPS, "Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He is currently detained pending further judicial actions, and access to legal counsel has been guaranteed."
Furthermore, the FPS indicated, "The prosecution retains the right to refrain from commenting on ongoing cases. As standard protocol, no additional details about Mr. Choksi's case can be disclosed at this time."
The FPS functions similarly to the Ministry of Justice, providing legislative support and ensuring the effective implementation of legal decisions while promoting fair treatment for all parties involved.
The 65-year-old Choksi was captured in Belgium at India's request and was reportedly residing in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, after acquiring a residency card.
Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are being pursued by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly defrauding PNB of ₹13,850 crore.
They are accused of utilizing Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) by bribing officials from the bank's Brady House branch in Mumbai. The CBI has initiated cases against Choksi, his nephew Nirav Modi, associated companies, bank personnel, and others for conspiracy, cheating, and corruption.
Choksi and Nirav Modi fled India in January 2018, shortly before the PNB scandal was uncovered.
Reports suggest that Choksi has been residing in Antwerp alongside his wife, who is a Belgian citizen.
