In a significant victory for India, a Belgian court has ordered the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India in connection with the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The Court of Appeals in Antwerp upheld Choksi's arrest and detention following a formal request by Indian authorities, validating the process under both Belgian and international law. The ruling marks a crucial step in India's efforts to bring Choksi to justice for his alleged role in the massive banking scam.
Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating one of India's largest banking scandals, defrauding PNB of over ₹13,000 crore through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and credit guarantees in 2017. Investigations revealed that Choksi had allegedly siphoned off over ₹6,400 crore.
Following the PNB scam becoming public in January 2018, Choksi fled India and obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through its Citizenship by Investment Program. In 2021, he went missing from Antigua and was later found in Dominica, where he was arrested for illegal entry. He claimed he had been kidnapped by Indian agents. In 2023, Choksi relocated to Antwerp, Belgium, where his wife is a citizen, and reportedly obtained an 'F Card' to stay in the country. He was arrested in Antwerp on April 11, 2025, following the CBI's extradition request.
Since his arrest, Choksi has remained in Belgian custody, with multiple bail pleas rejected due to concerns about him being a flight risk. During the extradition hearing, Belgian prosecutors presented evidence detailing Choksi's involvement in fraud, conspiracy, and corruption. They argued that the charges against him meet the requirements for extradition under Belgian and international law, including "dual criminality," meaning the charges are prosecutable in both countries.
Choksi's legal team had argued that he no longer holds Indian citizenship, but Indian representatives countered with documentation disputing his claim and outlining his continued legal responsibility. The court in Antwerp ruled that Choksi's arrest by Belgian authorities, based on India's request, was valid.
Indian officials have welcomed the Belgian court's decision, calling it a significant validation of India's efforts to secure Choksi's extradition. A senior official told PTI that the order is a "major step toward bringing the fugitive diamond trader back to India to face justice".
India had earlier assured Belgian authorities that if extradited, Choksi would be housed in Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road jail in Mumbai. The Union home ministry confirmed that the cell meets the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) of Europe’s minimum space standards. The cell assigned to Choksi measures roughly 20 by 15 feet and has a separate toilet, ventilation, and security measures. Inmates receive daily cleaning, fresh water, outdoor exercise, board games, yoga sessions, and access to media and telemedicine.
Choksi has 15 days to appeal the decision in Belgium's Supreme Court. If he does not appeal or if the appeal fails, his extradition to India will proceed. His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also wanted in India for related charges and remains in custody in the UK, fighting extradition.
