India has requested the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi following his arrest on April 12, according to the Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice said on Monday. Choksi, along side his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of causing the 13,500 crore rupees Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.
As per media reports, a team of Indian officials is scheduled to visit Belgium to monitor the extradition proceedings. It has been reported that the Belgian authorities are preparing for further legal proceedings that Choksi will be facing, while legal counsel will be provided for him as well.
Choksi Arrested In Belgium
"Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings. Access to his legal counsel has been assured. The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice can confirm that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for Choksi," a spokesperson of Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Back in March 26, days after Choksi surfaced in Belgium, the Belgian government confirmed his presence in the European nation while asserting that they are giving the matter "great importance and attention", as per media reports.
On March 23, reports said that the businessman was seen in Belgium and is said to be living there with his wife, Preeti Choksi, after securing a residency card.
Mehul Choksi And The PNB Scam
Mehul Choksi is an Indian businessman and owner of the Gitanjali Group. The businessman and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are wanted by Indian authorities for their alleged involvement in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, in which they are accused of defrauding the bank of over Rs 14,000 crore.
After the scam surfaced, Choksi, Modi and their family members and aides were booked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2018. That same year, Mehul Choksi fled India.
As reported by the Associated Times, a Caribbean-focused outlet, earlier as well Indian authorities called on Belgian authorities to initiate Choksi's extradition to India. The same is yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
As per the Associated Times, Choksi secured an "F Residency Card" in Belgium in November 2023. The report further adds that Choksi's allegedly fabricated his documents to Belgian authorities to misrepresent his nationality during the application process.
