Belgian officials have confirmed the arrest of Mehul Choksi, the Indian-born businessman accused of a massive banking fraud, following an extradition request from New Delhi. Choksi, who holds Antiguan citizenship, was taken into custody near his residence in Antwerp over the weekend.
Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are central figures in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scandal, involving alleged fraudulent transactions exceeding ₹13,500 crore. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been seeking Choksi’s return since he fled India in 2018.
Currently battling legal challenges on multiple fronts, Choksi had recently obtained Belgian residency, citing his marriage to a Belgian national. His lawyers have previously argued that he is unfit to travel due to a severe medical condition—chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Belgian authorities stated that Choksi remains in custody pending judicial review, with assurances that he has access to legal representation. His extradition hearing is expected next week.
This marks another chapter in Choksi’s prolonged legal saga. In 2021, a Dominica court rejected India’s extradition plea after Choksi claimed he was forcibly taken from Antigua by individuals linked to Indian agencies. Subsequently, Interpol revoked its Red Notice against him, citing concerns over human rights and political motives.
Choksi’s defense team in Belgium has vowed to contest the extradition, questioning the fairness of a potential trial in India. Meanwhile, he continues to challenge Antigua’s decision to strip him of citizenship.
India and Belgium strengthened their legal cooperation with an extradition treaty in 2020. The recent high-profile visit of a Belgian economic delegation to India, led by Princess Astrid, underscores growing bilateral ties.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal hailed Choksi’s arrest as a diplomatic triumph, calling it a proud moment for India. The Enforcement Directorate and CBI continue their investigations, having seized assets across multiple countries linked to the alleged fraud.
Choksi and Modi left India just before the PNB scam came to light in early 2018. While Modi remains imprisoned in the UK fighting extradition, Choksi’s legal battles now shift to Belgium, where his fate hangs in the balance.
