New Delhi: Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond trader accused in the Rs 13,850 crore Punjab National Bank scam, has been arrested in Belgium, according to CBI-sourced media reports.
Choksi was living in Antwerp since November 2023 using an “F residency card” obtained through his Belgian wife, Preeti Choksi. Indian authorities have initiated extradition proceedings with Belgium.
Previously based in Antigua and Barbuda, Choksi fled India in 2018 and is wanted by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate for financial fraud. Authorities allege he used fake documents to secure Belgian residency and evade extradition. He was also reportedly considering a move to Switzerland for medical treatment.
Choksi has denied willfully fleeing, citing medical issues and claiming in court that his absence was beyond his control.
Notably, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated earlier (in 2024) that assets worth Rs 22,280 crore linked to fugitives like Choksi had been recovered. His nephew Nirav Modi remains in the UK, fighting extradition.
