In a major breakthrough in India’s pursuit of fugitive economic offenders, Belgian authorities have confirmed the arrest of Mehul Choksi, the controversial diamond tycoon wanted in connection with the ₹13,578 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. Choksi, arrested in Antwerp on April 12, 2025, now faces extradition proceedings in Belgium, marking a significant development in India’s efforts to bring him to justice.
Choksi, who fled India in 2018 just before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a probe into the scam, has been on the radar of Indian law enforcement agencies for years. Along with his nephew Nirav Modi, Choksi stands accused of orchestrating one of India’s biggest banking frauds through fraudulent Letters of Understanding issued by PNB.
Though Choksi is currently an Antiguan citizen, he relocated to Belgium in recent years, reportedly for medical treatment. His wife is a Belgian national, and he secured Belgian residency in November 2023. Despite citing chronic lymphocytic leukaemia as a reason for being unfit to travel, his arrest near his Antwerp home has rekindled hope for Indian authorities.
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The Belgian Justice Department confirmed that Choksi is currently in custody and has access to legal counsel. It also acknowledged that India has submitted a formal request for his extradition. His case is expected to be heard in Belgian courts next week.
India has been pursuing Choksi’s extradition since August 2018, months after he fled the country. Although previous attempts, such as the extradition trial in Dominica in 2021, failed due to legal complications and claims of human rights violations, this latest development in Belgium could mark a turning point.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal hailed the arrest as a diplomatic success, attributing it to India’s growing international influence and cooperation. “It is a matter of pride for India,” he stated, highlighting the strengthening of Indo-Belgian ties in recent years.
The two countries signed an extradition treaty in March 2020, which laid the legal groundwork for such cases. High-level diplomatic engagements, including a visit by Belgian Princess Astrid and regular communication between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian King Philippe, have further solidified cooperation.
While Choksi’s legal team in Belgium has signaled their intent to contest the extradition on the grounds of potential unfair trial in India, the Indian agencies remain confident. The CBI, along with the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has built a strong case, including multiple charges of fraud and money laundering. Authorities have already attached assets linked to Choksi and Modi in India and abroad.
This latest arrest is not just a legal victory but also a symbolic one. It reflects India’s unwavering stance against financial fugitives and highlights the increasing global support for repatriating individuals accused of defrauding public institutions.
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