Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi detained in 'anticipation of f
Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi detained in 'anticipation of further judicial proceedings' after India's extradition request
The Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) of Justice on Monday confirmed the arrest of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case in India
BRUSSELS— The Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) of Justice on Monday
confirmed the arrest of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in
connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case in India,
revealing that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request
for him already.
"The Belgian federal public service of Justice can
confirm that Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on the Saturday 12th of April 2025.
He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings. Access to
his legal counsel has been assured," the FPS said.
"Please note that the prosecution services retain
the right to refrain from comment in ongoing cases. Finally, the Belgian
federal public service of Justice can confirm that the Indian authorities have
introduced an extradition request for Mr. Choksi. As is standard in individual
cases, no further details can be released at this stage," it added.
The FPS acts like the Ministry of Justice and assists in
preparation and implementation of legislation while supporting the Minister of
Justice in the areas for which he is responsible. It also provides the guidance
and operational support of the judiciary, with a focus on coordination and
organisational development. It is responsible for the supervision of the
adequate implementation of legal and administrative decisions, while
guaranteeing legal certainty and equal treatment of all parties involved.
Choksi was apprehended by the police in Belgium at
India's request for his extradition, sources said.
The 65-year-old was reportedly living in Antwerp with his
wife, Preeti Choksi, after obtaining a 'residency card' there.
The businessman is likely to seek bail, citing ill health
and other reasons.
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 Rs 13,850 crore.
They allegedly used Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and
Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) by bribing officials of the bank's Brady House
branch in Mumbai. The CBI has filed cases charging Choksi, his nephew Nirav
Modi, their companies, bank staff, and others with conspiracy, cheating, and
corruption.
Choksi and Nirav Modi fled India in January 2018, weeks
before the scam in the PNB surfaced.
According to reports, Choksi has been living in Antwerp
with his wife, Preeti Choksi, a citizen of Belgium. A citizen of Antigua and
Barbuda, he reportedly left the Caribbean nation for medical treatment. In
2021, he went missing from Antigua but was later found on another island
nation, Dominica.
Choksi is the founder of Gitanjali Gems.
Nirav Modi remains in a UK prison 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 plea
against Mehul Choksi has been pending since 2018.
Sources said that Choksi's arrest was triggered after
Indian agencies reactivated extradition requests when the Interpol Red Notice
against him was removed.
The ED and CBI, despite the deletion, pursued a fresh
request, which ultimately led to his arrest in Belgium.
Sources said that efforts are underway to bring him back
to India as soon as possible. However, legal hurdles in Belgian courts can
delay the process.
