Brussels— Belgian authorities have confirmed the arrest of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, wanted in connection with the massive Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, and acknowledged that India has formally requested his extradition.
In an official statement on Monday, Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) of Justice said Choksi was taken into custody on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and is currently being held in anticipation of further judicial proceedings.
“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.
The agency also confirmed receipt of India’s extradition request. “As is standard in individual cases, no further details can be released at this stage,” it added, noting that Belgian prosecution services reserve the right to withhold comment on ongoing matters.
The FPS of Justice, which functions similarly to a justice ministry, supports the Belgian judiciary and oversees the enforcement of legal decisions while ensuring equal treatment for all involved parties.
Choksi, 65, was apprehended in Belgium at India’s request, according to official sources. He was reportedly residing in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, after securing a residency card. He is expected to seek bail on health grounds and other considerations.
Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are accused by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of orchestrating a ₹13,850 crore fraud involving PNB. The two allegedly used Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) by bribing officials at the bank’s Brady House branch in Mumbai. The CBI has filed charges of conspiracy, cheating, and corruption against the duo, their companies, bank officials, and others.
Both men fled India in January 2018, just weeks before the scam became public. Choksi later obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, reportedly leaving the Caribbean nation for medical treatment. In 2021, he briefly went missing from Antigua and was later discovered in Dominica.
Choksi is the founder of Gitanjali Gems. His nephew Nirav Modi remains incarcerated in the UK, where he is contesting India’s extradition request. Modi was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) in 2019, while a similar petition by the ED against Choksi has been pending since 2018.
According to sources, Choksi’s arrest came after Indian agencies renewed extradition efforts following the removal of an Interpol Red Notice against him. Despite that setback, the ED and CBI pursued a fresh request, which led to his arrest.
Indian officials are now working to expedite Choksi’s return, although legal proceedings in Belgian courts could delay the process. (Source: IANS)
