A Belgian court has approved the extradition of Mehul Choksi, a fugitive Indian diamond businessman and a key accused in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Choksi, once a high-profile jeweller, is now one of India’s most wanted economic offenders. His deportation, if completed, would mark a major win for Indian investigative agencies. But who exactly is Mehul Choksi, and why is he so important?
A Key Player in India’s Biggest Bank Fraud
Mehul Choksi is the former promoter of Gitanjali Gems, once one of India’s leading jewellery companies. Along with his nephew Nirav Modi, Choksi is accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank by illegally obtaining credit through fake Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). The total scam is estimated at ₹13,850 crore, making it one of the biggest banking frauds in Indian history.
Fled India, Acquired Foreign Citizenship
Sensing trouble, Choksi fled India in early 2018, just days before the scam came to light. Prior to fleeing, he had acquired citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 through its citizenship-by-investment program. He has since used his foreign citizenship and alleged health issues to avoid returning to India, despite multiple summons and arrest warrants.
Latest Arrest in Belgium
In April 2025, Belgian police arrested Choksi in Antwerp while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Switzerland. His arrest was made based on extradition requests from Indian agencies, and was supported by two arrest warrants issued by Indian courts in 2018 and 2021.
On October 17, 2025, a Belgian court ruled that Choksi’s arrest was valid and approved his extradition to India. However, he still has the right to appeal the decision. If no appeal is made—or if his appeal is rejected—the extradition process will move forward.
Tried to Mislead Belgian Authorities
Reports suggest that Choksi obtained a Belgian F-type residency card in November 2023, allegedly using fraudulent documents and with help from his wife, Priti Choksi, a Belgian citizen. He reportedly hid his Indian and Antiguan citizenship to mislead Belgian authorities and delay deportation.
Previous Arrest in Dominica
This is not the first time Choksi has been caught. In May 2021, he was arrested in Dominica after allegedly fleeing from Antigua. He spent 51 days in jail, claiming he was kidnapped and assaulted. Though India attempted to extradite him, he was later sent back to Antigua after legal intervention.
India’s Challenge Ahead
While the Belgian court ruling is a positive step for Indian authorities, legal experts and whistleblowers warn that extradition may still face delays. Hariprasad SV, whistleblower in the PNB scam, said, “Choksi has deep pockets and will use every legal loophole, just like Vijay Mallya. It won’t be easy for India, but this is a hopeful sign.”
If deported successfully, Mehul Choksi could finally face trial in India after nearly seven years on the run—a case that symbolizes the country’s battle against high-profile economic fugitives