New Delhi: Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, wanted for defrauding Punjab National Bank (PNB) of Rs 13,850 crore, has reportedly been found living in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife, Preeti Choksi, a Belgian citizen. Indian authorities have initiated contact with Belgian officials to begin his extradition process.
Choksi, a 65-year-old diamond trader, was previously believed to be residing in Antigua and Barbuda but reportedly left the Caribbean nation for medical treatment while still holding Antiguan citizenship. It has now emerged that he has been living in Belgium since November 15, 2023, using an “F residency card,” which was reportedly facilitated by his wife.
Choksi is facing charges from India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the PNB fraud. Reports suggest he used false documents to secure Belgian residency and avoid extradition. While he has not renounced his Indian citizenship, his potential permanent residency in Belgium could grant him greater freedom to travel across Europe, complicating India’s efforts to extradite him.
There are also rumors that Choksi plans to move to Switzerland for medical treatment, potentially citing humanitarian grounds to avoid returning to India. Choksi fled India in January 2018, shortly after the PNB fraud came to light, and has since faced legal challenges, including a request by the ED to declare him a fugitive economic offender.
Choksi’s nephew, Nirav Modi, another key figure in the PNB scam, is also fighting extradition proceedings in the UK.
