Big Win for India in the Mehul Choksi Extradition Case
In a major breakthrough for Indian authorities, a Belgian court has ordered the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India. The 65-year-old businessman, accused in the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, faces multiple charges of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering.
The court in Antwerp, Belgium, issued the preliminary order following an extradition request from Indian investigative agencies — the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Choksi, who was arrested in Belgium on April 12, 2025, can still appeal the decision, but the ruling marks a significant step toward bringing him back to India to face trial.
Mehul Choksi’s Flight and Arrest in Belgium
Choksi, the former chairman of Gitanjali Gems, fled India in January 2018, shortly before the PNB scam came to light. He later obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, using it as a shield against Indian extradition attempts.
In November 2023, he reportedly traveled to Belgium claiming to seek medical treatment. However, Indian intelligence agencies soon traced his movements, leading to his arrest by Belgian authorities after India formally submitted an extradition request supported by two open-ended arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in 2018 and 2021.
Officials from the CBI and ED shared detailed case files with Belgian prosecutors, outlining the large-scale fraud and money-laundering trail involving Choksi’s companies. Sources confirm that both agencies worked closely with Interpol and Belgian police to track and detain him.
The ₹13,000-Crore PNB Scam and Its Global Impact
The PNB scam, uncovered in early 2018, remains one of India’s largest banking frauds. It involved fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by officials at PNB’s Brady House branch in Mumbai. These guarantees allowed companies owned by Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi to obtain huge overseas credit from Indian banks.
The scam triggered a crisis in India’s banking system, prompting stricter oversight on trade credit and SWIFT transactions. Following the exposure, the CBI and ED launched extensive investigations that led to multiple prosecution complaints, property seizures, and Interpol red notices against both Choksi and Modi.
While Nirav Modi remains in a UK prison fighting extradition, the Belgian court’s decision on Choksi is being hailed as a diplomatic success for India. Officials believe it could strengthen India’s case for the extradition of other fugitives involved in economic crimes.
Legal Proceedings and India’s Next Steps
According to legal experts, the Antwerp court’s order is preliminary and subject to appeal. Choksi’s legal team is expected to challenge the ruling on grounds of dual citizenship and alleged human rights violations. However, Indian officials remain confident that the evidence and bilateral cooperation with Belgium will ensure his eventual extradition.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is coordinating with the CBI and ED to expedite paperwork and ensure compliance with international legal procedures. If the appeal is rejected, Choksi could be handed over to Indian authorities within months.
Senior officials have described the verdict as a “big win against economic fugitives,” underscoring the government’s determination to bring back offenders who misuse foreign jurisdictions to evade justice.
Political and Diplomatic Reactions
Following the Belgian court order, the Indian government welcomed the decision. A senior MEA official said, “This judgment reinforces international confidence in India’s legal system and strengthens our fight against financial fraud.”
Opposition leaders, however, cautioned that the extradition process may still take time given Choksi’s legal options. Experts note that Belgium’s legal framework allows multiple levels of appeal, but India’s strong evidence and diplomatic efforts could accelerate the process.