Extradition Appeal Rejected: Belgian Court Clears Path for Mehul Choksi’s Return to India

Mehul Choksi Extradition Case: A big step has been taken towards returning fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India. The Belgian court of Antwerp on Friday dismissed an appeal against his extradition, bringing India closer to the extradition process. The Antwerp court upheld Choksi's arrest by Belgian authorities at India's request, according to people familiar with the development. In September, the Antwerp Appeals Court heard the appeal of Choksi, who was arrested in that country on April 11 based on an extradition request from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

This court order deals a major blow to the fugitive businessman, accused of conspiring with his nephew Nirav Modi to orchestrate the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud. Nirav Modi is also facing extradition proceedings and is currently lodged in a London jail.

Choksi embezzled Rs 6,400 crore  

The CBI has alleged in its charge sheet that Choksi alone embezzled Rs 6,400 crore out of a total Rs 13,000 crore scam. During the extradition proceedings in Belgian courts, for which the CBI sent its team at least three times and also hired a private European law firm, India presented evidence of fraud and fund diversion by Choksi, as well as his repeated attempts to evade the legal process.

India Assures Belgium: Choksi Will Receive All Facilities

The Indian government has assured Belgium that after extradition, Choksi will be held in barrack number 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, which complies with European CPT (Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment) standards. He is guaranteed clean drinking water, adequate food and medical facilities, access to newspapers and television, the option of treatment from a private doctor, and no isolated confinement. It was also clarified that he remains an Indian citizen wanted in connection with the $950 million (approximately ₹13,000 crore) scam, and his claim to be an Antiguan citizen is controversial.

Choksi had argued in Belgian courts that he renounced Indian citizenship on December 14, 2018, having acquired Antigua and Barbuda citizenship on November 16, 2017.

Indian investigators presented evidence

Indian investigators submitted documentary evidence to Belgian prosecutors regarding six bank frauds allegedly committed by Choksi between 2018 and 2022, totaling approximately ₹13,000 crore. The court has already determined that there is a prima facie risk of Choksi fleeing Belgium.

Choksi's future: Option to appeal to a higher court remains

According to an official familiar with the matter, Mehul Choksi still has the option to appeal this decision to a higher court. "This means he won't return immediately, but the first and very important step has been passed," they said.
This decision strengthens India's extradition process, but Choksi's appeal points to a long legal battle in a higher court.