Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium. Indian officials had requested his extradition in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. His arrest comes weeks after reports confirmed that Choksi was living in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi. He had also received a residency card in Belgium.

India Had Already Sought His Return

In March, the Associated Times, a media outlet focused on the Caribbean, reported that India had asked Belgian authorities to begin extradition procedures against Choksi.

Who Is Mehul Choksi and What Is He Accused Of?

Mehul Choksi founded Gitanjali Gems and is one of the main accused in the ₹13,500 crore PNB loan fraud. Authorities granted him residency in Belgium on November 15, 2023.

Before moving to Belgium, he had been living in Antigua and Barbuda. His wife, Preeti Choksi, holds Belgian citizenship.

He Used False Documents to Get Residency

According to the Associated Times, Choksi received an ‘F Residency Card’ in Belgium. But the report also claimed that he used fake documents and made false declarations to get it. Officials believe he lied about his nationality and didn’t reveal his Indian and Antiguan citizenships.

The report also said Choksi was planning to shift to Switzerland for cancer treatment at a well-known hospital. Earlier in February, his lawyer told a Mumbai court that he was in Belgium for treatment of suspected cancer.

The PNB Fraud Case

Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are both accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank by using fake letters of undertaking. This caused a major financial scandal.

Nirav Modi is currently in London’s prison. He has been fighting his extradition to India and has been denied bail multiple times.

In May 2021, Choksi went missing from Antigua. Later, authorities found him and returned him there.

India Moves to Declare Choksi a Fugitive

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a plea in a Mumbai special court to declare Choksi a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO). This would allow Indian authorities to confiscate his assets.

The court had already declared Nirav Modi an FEO in 2019. However, the ED’s request against Choksi has been pending since 2018.