Mehul Choksi Latest News: Arrest in Belgium and Extradition to India
Mehul Choksi Latest News: Arrest in Belgium and Extradition to India
Introduction
The name Mehul Choksi once symbolized luxury, success, and a booming jewelry empire. However, in recent years, it has become synonymous with one of India’s biggest financial scandals. As the spotlight intensifies on Mehul Choksi latest news: arrest in Belgium and extradition to India, the world watches closely to see if justice will finally be served. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Choksi’s rise, his alleged crimes, escape, and the latest developments in his arrest and potential extradition.
Who is Mehul Choksi?
Mehul Choksi is an Indian-born businessman and former chairman of the Gitanjali Group, a prominent jewelry retail company. Under his leadership, Gitanjali became a giant in the Indian gem and jewelry industry with brands like Gili, Nakshatra, and Asmi. Choksi was once praised for making diamonds accessible to India’s growing middle class.
However, things took a drastic turn in 2018 when Mehul Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, was implicated in a colossal ₹13,000 crore scam involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB). The scandal shook the nation and exposed serious flaws in the banking sector.
The PNB Scam
The alleged fraud was carried out using fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by corrupt bank officials. These LoUs were used to secure overseas credit for Choksi and Modi’s companies without proper collateral. The PNB scam was a wake-up call to the Indian financial system and triggered global headlines.
Soon after the scam broke out, Choksi fled India and took citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, where he remained under legal protection, citing health issues and political persecution. Despite multiple legal proceedings, Indian authorities were unable to extradite him from Antigua due to prolonged court battles.
Mehul Choksi’s Disappearance and Return
In May 2021, Mehul Choksi disappeared from Antigua, leading to speculations of abduction. He was found in Dominica, where he claimed he was forcibly taken against his will. After weeks of legal tussles, he was returned to Antigua, making it even more difficult for Indian authorities to bring him back.
However, in a surprising twist, Mehul Choksi latest news: arrest in Belgium and extradition to India has once again brought hope for justice. This development suggests a new chapter in India’s effort to bring back economic offenders.
Arrest in Belgium: What We Know
On April 12, 2025, Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium following an Indian extradition request. Reports suggest he had been living in Antwerp, a major diamond hub, using documents linked to his wife, who is a Belgian citizen. Indian intelligence and enforcement agencies had been tracking him for months before the arrest took place.
The arrest was confirmed by Belgian authorities, and it immediately reignited interest in the long-running PNB case. The Indian government is now working with Belgium to fast-track Choksi’s extradition to India.
Extradition Treaty Between India and Belgium
India and Belgium have a bilateral extradition treaty signed in 1997. According to this agreement, both countries agree to extradite individuals charged with or convicted of extraditable offenses. Given that the PNB scam involves fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy — all of which are extraditable crimes — India has a strong case.
However, extradition is not guaranteed. Belgium may take into account Choksi’s citizenship in Antigua, his health conditions, and other humanitarian concerns. Nevertheless, officials are hopeful due to the nature of the offense and Choksi’s fugitive status.
For more details on the extradition treaty, you can refer to India-Belgium Extradition Treaty Summary from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Reactions and Political Impact
The latest developments have stirred political discussions in India. Several opposition leaders have criticized the government’s earlier failures in preventing Choksi’s escape. On the other hand, the ruling party views this arrest as a significant victory in its fight against corruption.
Public sentiment is also intense. Many citizens are demanding strict punishment and the recovery of the looted money. For them, Mehul Choksi latest news: arrest in Belgium and extradition to India represents a ray of hope that economic offenders will eventually be held accountable.
Legal Process Ahead
After Choksi’s arrest in Belgium, the legal process for extradition has begun. Indian authorities have already submitted the required documentation to the Belgian Ministry of Justice. The case will now go through the Belgian judicial system, where Choksi will have the right to appeal.
Legal experts say that if all paperwork is in order, Choksi could be extradited within a few months. However, given his history of using legal technicalities and health claims to delay proceedings, there might still be hurdles ahead.
Why This Matters
The importance of Mehul Choksi latest news: arrest in Belgium and extradition to India goes beyond a single fraud case. It highlights the global nature of white-collar crime and the need for international cooperation. India’s proactive diplomatic and legal push in this case could set a precedent for dealing with future fugitives.
Moreover, it restores some public faith in the legal system, especially in cases involving high-profile economic offenders. The case is also a stern warning to those who believe they can escape justice by hiding behind foreign passports and legal loopholes.
As NDTV reports, the Indian side is optimistic because the charges—criminal conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering—are all considered extraditable under Belgian law (NDTV).
Legal experts believe this could be a strong test of India’s commitment to bringing back economic fugitives, and may also influence similar high-profile cases in the future.
For a full overview of the extradition treaty, refer to the Ministry of External Affairs website, which outlines the rights and obligations under the agreement.
