In a major legal breakthrough for India, a Belgian court has approved the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, wanted in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The ruling marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to bring the absconding diamantaire back to face justice.
Court Declares Mehul Choksi’s Arrest Valid
A court in Antwerp ruled on Friday that Mehul Choksi’s arrest by Belgian authorities was valid and done in accordance with India’s request. The decision gives a strong boost to India’s extradition case, officials said.
“The order has come in our favor. The court has termed his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India’s request valid. The first legal step in getting him extradited is now clear,” said a senior official on condition of anonymity.
What Mehul Choksi Did?
Choksi, who fled India in 2018 after allegedly defrauding Punjab National Bank, has been on the run for over six years. The businessman, who holds Antiguian citizenship, was arrested in Antwerp on April 11 following a formal extradition request from India.
Indian Officials Assisted Belgian Prosecutors
Officials from the External Affairs Ministry and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) worked closely with Belgian prosecutors during the hearing. They presented detailed evidence linking Choksi to the massive PNB scam, which he allegedly executed with his nephew, Nirav Modi.
Prosecutors argued that Choksi remains a flight risk and should not be released from custody. The court agreed, rejecting his bail pleas multiple times since his arrest.
Though Choksi can still appeal the decision in a higher court, officials say the ruling has strengthened India’s position in the long-running case.
Criminal Charges Valid Under Belgian Law
The Antwerp court observed that the offenses Choksi faces in India — including cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and corruption — are also punishable under Belgian law.
This fulfills the international legal condition of “dual criminality”, which requires that crimes be recognized as offenses in both countries for extradition to proceed.
The court’s findings also relied on the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) — both ratified by Belgium — as part of India’s legal arguments.
CBI’s Long Legal Effort Pays Off
The CBI has been pursuing Choksi’s extradition since 2018, sending multiple delegations to Belgium with case documents and evidence. The agency also hired a European law firm to assist with the extradition process and coordinate with Belgian legal authorities.
Officials described the ruling as a “major diplomatic and legal win,” though the final extradition could still take time due to possible appeals.
For now, Mehul Choksi remains in a correctional facility in Antwerp as the Indian government prepares for the next phase of the extradition process.
