Mehul Choksi Arrested on India’s Request
Mehul Choksi’s Detention and Current Location
In landmark news, diamond magnate Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium. He was wanted as a fugitive and has been detained in connection with India’s request for his extradition. Previously based in Antigua and Barbuda, he has now moved to Antwerp, Belgium. He moved here with his wife, Preeti Choksi, where it is said he acquired an ‘F residency card. As per sources, Choksi had been receiving treatment for cancer. He was planning to relocate again to Switzerland for further hospital treatment. In the meantime, Indian law enforcement bodies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been working feverishly to bring him back to India. Interpol had cancelled the Red Notice which prior restricted his travels outside of the country.
Background: What is the PNB Scam about?
Choksi is one of the main accused in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. It was one of the largest scams in the histroy of finances in India. He is the owner of Gitanjali Gems and the uncle of another accused, Nirav Modi.
The PNB fraud case surfaced in 2018. The bank filed a police report claiming Choksi and his companies fraudulently obtained credit through the use of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). They were not following procedure to do so. The total amount of money obtained through the LoUs in question were only released because PNB executive staff were involved with providing Choksi and Modi loans. It happened by creating bypassed paperwork release of funds by PNB. Choksi and Modi diverted thousands of crores of loans advice by the bank.
Legal Action Agains Choski
- After the scam was exposed, CBI filed fraud and criminal conspiracy cases.
- ED has filed money laundering charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- Choksi has charges under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Moreover, in December 2023, the CBI initiated a new investigation into an additional scam involving Choksi. It was alleged that he misappropriated ₹6,700 crore from loan resources.
In February 2025, a Mumbai court has sanctioned such disposition of 13 properties owned by Gitanjali Gems Ltd. It was with a view to recover part of the money lost in a fraud scheme. Judge SM Menjoge, agreeing to the request, observed that properties that sit unused will only lose value if not sold.
Choksi’s Journey from Antigua to Belgium
After flees India, Choksi was initially granted citizenship by Antigua and Barbuda in 2018, which was instrumental in aiding India’s extradition efforts. The most recent developments in India’s diplomatic and judicial strategy seem to have had an effect. His arrival in Belgium was seen as a calculated move backed up by rescinded Interpol Red Notice in 2023. Although he has described various issues relating to health in order to avoid extradition, he has ultimately been apprehended, which marks a significant victory for India’s long effort to return criminals involved in fraud back to India.
What are We waiting for?
Indian officials are currently waiting for Belgian legal proceedings to unfold to establish a timeline for the anticipated extradition. Choksi will face charges for:
- Deception and wrongful breach of trust
- Criminal conspiracy
- Laundering proceeds of crime
- Violating the Prevention of Corruption Act
Moreover, his arrival may have an effect on the pending legal situation on the extradition of co-accused Nirav Modi, who himself is still appealing precisely that in the UK.
A Reminder for the Financial Sector
Once again, apprehension of Mehul Choksi draws attention to India’s financial regulatory framework and the need for serious enforcement action involved in high-profile fraud cases. The trending news today highlight a series of significant arrests and legal prosecutions against offenders, and the government is seemingly determined to tighten its grip over fugitives and financial criminals. Increasing public interest could suggest that Choksi’s extradition will demonstrate a powerful message — regardless of the distance, justice will still follow.
