Belgian Court Clears Extradition of Mehul Choksi
A Belgian court in Antwerp has approved the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi to India, marking a major step in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. The court upheld the validity of his arrest in Belgium, ruling that the charges against him met the principle of dual criminality.
Choksi in Custody Since April
Choksi was arrested in Belgium on April 11, 2025, after an Interpol notice issued at India’s request. He has remained in custody since then, with Belgian courts rejecting his repeated bail applications over fears he might flee.
Option to Appeal in 15 Days
The Antwerp court’s decision gives Choksi 15 days to file an appeal in a higher court. If he fails to do so, or if the appeal is rejected, Belgian authorities are expected to begin formal extradition procedures to India.
India’s Charges Against Him
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have accused Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, of defrauding Punjab National Bank through fake Letters of Undertaking. The charges include cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and corruption.
