“Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium Following India’s Extradition Request”

Mehul Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, who is awaiting extradition from London, are wanted for allegedly defrauding the Punjab National Bank of more than Rs 13,500 crore

Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium After India’s Request

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium, according to Indian government sources. He was wanted in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, one of the largest banking scams in India’s history.

Choksi had been evading arrest for years. However, Indian authorities have finally tracked him down after months of intelligence work.
Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium, according to Indian government sources. He was wanted in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case — one of the largest in Indian banking history.

Who is Mehul Choksi?

Mehul Choksi is a former billionaire jeweler and the owner of Gitanjali Gems, a major jewelry chain in India. He is also the uncle of Nirav Modi, another main suspect in the PNB case.

Together, the duo is accused of defrauding PNB by illegally securing Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). These were used to get overseas loans without proper guarantees. As a result, the bank suffered losses worth thousands of crores.

The scam came to light in January 2018, triggering massive outrage across the country. Soon after, Choksi fled India and acquired citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.

Timeline of the PNB Scam and Arrest

Here is a brief timeline showing how the events played out:

• January 2018: The PNB fraud is exposed, leading to a nationwide uproar.
• January 2018: Choksi escapes to Antigua and secures citizenship there.
• July 2018: India formally requests his extradition.
• May 2021: He mysteriously vanishes from Antigua and is later found in Dominica.
• 2021–2023: Legal battles delay his extradition from Dominica.
• April 2024: Indian agencies trace his movements in Belgium.
• April 2025: Choksi is arrested in Belgium with international cooperation.

Therefore, his arrest marks a major victory for India in pursuing financial fugitives abroad.
In July 2018, India officially requested Choksi’s extradition from Antigua. India Today reported that the Indian government had submitted full documentation and legal evidence.

India’s Ongoing Efforts to Bring Choksi Home

Since 2018, India has been pushing hard to extradite Choksi. Authorities shared detailed documents with Antigua, Dominica, and other countries to prove his guilt.

However, his Antiguan citizenship made extradition difficult. In 2021, when he was found in Dominica, he claimed he had been kidnapped and brought there by force. This created more legal complications.

Despite these setbacks, India continued its diplomatic and legal efforts. As a result, the arrest in Belgium is being seen as the outcome of strong international collaboration.
In 2021, Choksi claimed he was abducted from Antigua and taken to Dominica. The case was widely covered by international media including BBC News, who reported his kidnapping allegations.

What Happens Next?

Now that he has been arrested, Indian authorities will file a formal extradition request with Belgium. Since India and Belgium share an extradition treaty, officials are hopeful for a smooth process.

Once the Belgian court gives the green light, Choksi will be brought back to India. Then, he will face charges under the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Corruption Act, and Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Official and Public Reactions

The Indian government has welcomed the arrest. According to a Home Ministry source, “This shows our commitment to bringing economic offenders to justice.”

Meanwhile, social media users have reacted strongly. Many praised the government’s efforts. Others called for fast-track trials and stricter laws against financial crimes.

In addition, financial experts have pointed out that this arrest sends a warning to other fugitives hiding overseas.

What Choksi’s Legal Team Says

Choksi’s lawyers have released a statement. They said their client is innocent and is being “politically targeted.” They also plan to challenge the extradition request in Belgian courts.

However, Indian investigators say their case is rock solid. They believe the evidence will hold up in any international court.

Why International Support Matters

Choksi’s arrest highlights the importance of global cooperation in fighting white-collar crime. Indian authorities worked with INTERPOL and the Belgian government to track him down.

Moreover, Belgium’s support shows that India’s diplomatic efforts are paying off. Countries are increasingly willing to help India bring fugitives back.

Related link: Read The Economic Times report on India’s extradition cases

This is not the first case of a financial offender being caught abroad. In the past few years, India has brought back several such individuals with international help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the arrest of Mehul Choksi is a big moment for India’s fight against financial fraud. After years of chasing him across countries, Indian authorities have finally managed to bring him closer to justice.

Although legal steps still remain, the chances of extradition are now better than ever. With this progress, India sends a strong message: no matter where criminals hide, the law will catch up.

This case also brings fresh hope to victims of the PNB scam and boosts confidence in the Indian justice system. All eyes are now on the Belgian court as the legal battle moves into its next phase.