PNB Scam Fugitive Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium, Extradition Proceedings Underway

NEW DELHI, April 14 In a major breakthrough in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has reportedly been arrested in Belgium. Choksi, 65, was taken into custody on Saturday, though an official confirmation from Indian or Belgian authorities is still awaited.

Choksi Tracked Down in Belgium

Reports indicate that Belgian authorities acted following an extradition appeal from India, based on requests by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Choksi had been living in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife Preeti Choksi. It was recently revealed that he had left Antigua and Barbuda, where he holds citizenship, citing medical reasons.

A spokesperson for the Belgian government, David Jordens, confirmed last month that Choksi was under surveillance and that India’s extradition request prompted swift legal action. He is currently being held in custody, pending legal proceedings.

PNB Scam: One of India’s Largest Financial Frauds

Mehul Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating one of India’s biggest banking scams. The duo allegedly defrauded Punjab National Bank by manipulating Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to siphon off funds from Indian banks.

Choksi fled India in early 2018, just weeks before the scam came to light. He later acquired citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, where he had been residing until his recent move to Europe. Nirav Modi, on the other hand, is currently jailed in London, where he is contesting his extradition to India.

What’s Next?

If confirmed, Choksi’s arrest in Belgium could significantly boost India’s efforts to bring him to justice. Authorities are expected to begin formal extradition hearings in Belgium soon. Given the international nature of the case, coordination between multiple agencies will be key in ensuring a swift and lawful transfer.

Key Highlights:

• Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium on April 13

• He was residing in Antwerp with wife Preeti Choksi

• Indian agencies (ED, CBI) had pushed for his extradition

• Accused in ₹13,500 crore PNB fraud case

• Holds Antiguan citizenship; left on pretext of medical treatment

• Nirav Modi, co-accused, remains in UK custody