Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has finally been arrested in Belgium. He was wanted by India for allegedly orchestrating a massive fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, involving thousands of crores of rupees. Reports suggest the Belgian government acted following an extradition request from India.
Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium: Mehul Choksi, the diamond merchant absconding in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, has been arrested in Belgium. Seven years after fleeing India, he was apprehended in Antwerp. This action, following a CBI request, increases hopes for his extradition to India. Choksi had been hiding in various countries for a long time, but this time he was caught in Belgium with his wife, Priti Choksi.
Choksi Hiding in Antwerp Using Forged Documents
According to sources, Mehul Choksi was residing in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife Priti Choksi, using a 'F Residence Card'. Priti holds Belgian citizenship, and Choksi used this to seek refuge there. Choksi was attempting to flee to Switzerland via Belgium under the guise of medical treatment, but was apprehended by the police beforehand.
Arrest Based on Two Arrest Warrants
Belgian police arrested Mehul Choksi based on two arrest warrants issued by a special court in Mumbai. These warrants were issued on May 23, 2018, and June 15, 2021. Following his arrest, Choksi is currently in jail and may apply for bail in a Belgian court, possibly citing poor health.
India Requests Speedy Extradition
The Indian government has requested the Belgian authorities to expedite the extradition process for Mehul Choksi. Sources indicate that India is swiftly completing the necessary documentation and legal procedures to bring the main accused in this scam to India and put him on trial.
Mehul Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, allegedly defrauded PNB of ₹13,500 crore. This case came to light in January 2018, but Choksi and Modi had already left the country. Choksi initially obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda and settled there. In 2021, he was also apprehended in Dominica while attempting to flee to Cuba.
