Mehul Choksi, the diamond businessman wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, has been arrested in Belgium. Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Justice Department confirmed on Monday that Choksi was arrested on April 12 and is currently being held in custody pending further judicial proceedings.
When was Mehul Choksi arrested?
The FPS Justice Department stated, “The Federal Public Service Justice of Belgium can confirm that Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, April 12. He is currently in pre-trial detention, and his lawyers have been informed.”
Also read: Mehul Choksi: ₹13,500 Cr. PNB scam mastermind arrested in Belgium after 7-year chase
The FPS also confirmed that the Indian government had already submitted an extradition request for Choksi. However, since the matter is sub judice, no further details have been disclosed.
The FPS Justice acts like a Justice Ministry in Belgium, assisting the Minister of Justice with legislative preparation and implementation. It also supports the functioning and development of the judiciary and ensures proper enforcement of judicial decisions.
Indian Authorities Made the Request
According to sources, Choksi was arrested in Antwerp by Belgian police following a request from Indian agencies. He was reportedly living there with his wife, Preeti Choksi, and held a Belgian residency card.
It is believed that the 65-year-old may soon file a bail plea, potentially citing health issues as grounds.
What are the Charges Against Mehul Choksi?
Mehul Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for their alleged role in the ₹13,850 crore PNB scam. They are accused of bribing officials at the Brady House branch of PNB in Mumbai to fraudulently obtain Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit.
Both fled India in January 2018, around the same time the scam was exposed.
Fled India in 2018
Choksi later acquired citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, from where he left on the pretext of seeking medical treatment. In 2021, he mysteriously disappeared from Antigua and was later found in Dominica. He is the founder of Gitanjali Gems. Nirav Modi, meanwhile, remains in a UK prison and is fighting extradition to India.
Sources said that despite Interpol’s earlier decision to remove the Red Notice against Choksi, Indian agencies submitted a fresh extradition request, which eventually led to his arrest. The Indian government is now working to bring him back as soon as possible, although legal proceedings in Belgian courts could take time.