Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamantaire implicated in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud, was arrested by Belgian authorities on April 12, 2025. This arrest follows a concerted effort by Indian agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), who had been tracking Choksi’s whereabouts since he fled India in 2018.
Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating one of India’s largest banking scams, which came to light in early 2018. After fleeing to Antigua and Barbuda, Choksi reportedly relocated to Belgium in March 2024, obtaining residency through his wife Preeti’s Belgian citizenship.
Following his arrest, Choksi’s legal team indicated plans to challenge the extradition request, citing ongoing cancer treatment as grounds for bail. However, whistle-blower Hariprasad SV expressed skepticism about India’s chances of securing Choksi’s extradition, highlighting his financial resources and previous attempts to evade legal proceedings.
Indian authorities are actively pursuing Choksi’s return to face charges related to the PNB fraud, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn international attention.
Sources