Brussels/New Delhi (National Times): Belgian authorities have confirmed the arrest of fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, stating that he is currently in custody following his detention on April 12. The Belgian Justice Department also acknowledged receiving a formal extradition request from India.
“The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice can confirm that Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He is currently being held pending judicial proceedings, with access to legal counsel assured,” the department told NDTV. Further details were withheld, citing standard protocols in ongoing legal matters.
Choksi, 65, is a central figure in the massive ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case and has been on the run since fleeing India on January 2, 2018. He is wanted by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly orchestrating the scam in collusion with his nephew, Nirav Mod, and several bank officials.
Between 2014 and 2017, Choksi allegedly facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) through PNB, causing a wrongful loss exceeding ₹6,000 crore to the bank.
Responding to the news of Choksi’s arrest, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described it as a major diplomatic win for India. “It’s a matter of pride and a testament to the strength of Indian diplomacy under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” he said.
However, former diplomat KP Fabian urged caution, noting that extradition processes are often prolonged. “The case of Tahawwur Rana, who was extradited to India from the US after 17 years, shows we may have a long wait ahead with Choksi,” Fabian said.
Meanwhile, Choksi’s legal counsel, advocate Vijay Aggarwal, signaled plans to contest the extradition in Belgian courts. At a press conference, Aggarwal said the defense would argue against the extradition on two primary grounds: the political nature of the charges and Choksi’s health concerns.
“If extradited, his human rights will be severely impacted,” Aggarwal claimed. “This is a politically motivated case, and we will also highlight concerns regarding the adequacy of medical treatment available to him in India.”
Choksi’s arrest marks a crucial step forward in India’s efforts to bring economic offenders back to face justice. However, with legal hurdles expected ahead, his extradition remains uncertain in the near future.
