Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium as India Inches Closer to Extradition

Last Updated Apr - 14 - 2025, 04:31 PM | Source : Fela News

Mehul Choksi, wanted for his role in the ₹13,500 crore PNB fraud, was arrested by Belgian police after attempting to flee to Switzerland. Indian authorities are

Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, wanted in India for his role in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, was arrested by Belgian police over the weekend while attempting to flee to Switzerland for medical treatment. This marks a significant step in the seven-year-long pursuit by Indian authorities.

Choksi, who fled India in 2018 along with his nephew Nirav Modi, later acquired Antiguan citizenship, which complicated India's efforts to bring him to justice. His arrest followed a covert operation by Indian agencies, including the CBI and ED, who had been tracking his movements across multiple countries.

Belgian police acted on Indian intelligence after Choksi applied for an upgraded residency card using false pretenses. He had previously obtained an F-type residency card with forged documents. Arrested in Antwerp on non-bailable warrants, Choksi is currently in jail awaiting a bail hearing. Indian authorities are now preparing extradition proceedings, bringing them closer to securing his return to India for trial.