Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamantaire, was arrested by Belgian authorities in response to India’s extradition request. This development comes after reports revealed that he had been living in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi.
India Pushes for Choksi’s Extradition
In March, Associated Times reported that Indian authorities had formally requested Choksi’s extradition to India. This request followed reports that he was residing in Belgium after obtaining a residency card.
Background and Allegations Against Choksi
Mehul Choksi, the founder of Gitanjali Gems, is wanted by Indian authorities in connection with the ₹13,500-crore PNB fraud case. Previously, Choksi lived in Antigua and Barbuda before relocating to Belgium. In November 2023, he was granted Belgian residency. Additionally, his wife, Preeti Choksi, is a Belgian citizen.
Allegations of Fraudulent Documents
According to Associated Times, Choksi allegedly submitted fraudulent documents to the Belgian authorities in order to gain residency. Reports claim he forged papers, made false declarations, and failed to disclose his Indian and Antiguan citizenships. Consequently, he misrepresented his nationality to avoid the threat of extradition.
Plans to Move to Switzerland
Moreover, sources revealed that Choksi was planning to relocate to Switzerland for medical treatment. His lawyer had informed a Mumbai court in February that Choksi was in Belgium for treatment of suspected cancer. This move raised suspicions about his intentions to escape further legal proceedings.
Choksi’s Connection to Nirav Modi
Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating the PNB fraud by obtaining fraudulent letters of undertaking. This scam caused a significant financial scandal. While Nirav Modi remains imprisoned in the UK, Choksi made headlines in May 2021 when he disappeared from Antigua, only to be later found and sent back to the country.
Legal Proceedings in India
In India, a special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court is hearing the Enforcement Directorate’s plea to declare Mehul Choksi a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO). If granted, this ruling would allow the government to take action to seize his assets. It is worth noting that Nirav Modi was declared an FEO in 2019, while Choksi’s case has been pending since 2018.