Daijiworld Media Network - Belgium

Belgium, Apr 14: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium following India's extradition request, linked to his involvement in the Rs 13,500-cr Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. The arrest comes after media reports confirmed Choksi's residency in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti, after he was granted a Belgian residency card in November 2023.

Choksi, the founder of Gitanjali Gems, had previously resided in Antigua and Barbuda before relocating to Belgium. He is accused, alongside his nephew Nirav Modi, of defrauding the state-run PNB by fraudulently obtaining letters of undertaking, causing a massive financial scandal. Choksi allegedly submitted falsified documents to Belgian authorities, misrepresenting his nationality and failing to disclose his Indian and Antiguan citizenship during his residency application process.

While Nirav Modi remains in a London prison, fighting his extradition to India, Choksi had planned to move to Switzerland for medical treatment, but his extradition process is now underway. Indian authorities are also pursuing a plea in a Mumbai court to declare him a fugitive economic offender (FEO), which would enable the government to confiscate his assets. The legal proceedings are ongoing as efforts continue to bring Choksi back to India for trial.