The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice has confirmed the arrest of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, stating that India has officially sought his extradition. The development marks a significant step in the high-profile ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, in which Choksi is a key accused.
In a statement to news agency ANI, the Belgian Justice Ministry said, “The Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that Mr Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday 12th of April 2025. He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings. Access to his legal counsel has been assured.”
The Ministry further added that the Indian government has moved formally to bring Choksi back. “Finally, the Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for Mr Choksi. As is standard in individual cases, no further details can be released at this stage,” it said.
Choksi, 65, fled India in January 2018 and is wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly defrauding Punjab National Bank by securing Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit in connivance with bank officials and associates, including his nephew Nirav Modi. Investigators say the transactions spanned from 2014 to 2017 and led to a loss of ₹6,097.63 crore.
Mehul Choksi’s Lawyer Cites Human Rights Concerns, Medical Issues To Oppose Extradition
Following his arrest in Belgium, Choksi’s lawyer, Vijay Aggarwa,l voiced strong opposition to the extradition move, citing human rights concerns and medical issues. “His human rights will be greatly affected,” Aggarwal said, when asked whether his client feared mistreatment or political pressure if extradited to India, as per ANI.
Aggarwal added that the extradition will be contested on two primary grounds — “It is a political case and, secondly, because of the human condition in India.”
He also claimed that Choksi had not been declared a fugitive and had remained in touch with Indian investigative agencies throughout the legal proceedings.
