Mon Apr 14 16:08:56 UTC 2025: ## Fugitive Diamond Tycoon Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium
**Brussels, Belgium –** Belgian authorities announced the arrest of Mehul Choksi, the fugitive Indian diamond businessman, on Monday, April 14, 2025. Choksi, wanted in India on charges of defrauding Punjab National Bank of over ₹13,578 crore (approximately $1.6 billion USD) along with his nephew Nirav Modi, was apprehended near his home in Antwerp over the weekend.
Choksi, who holds Antiguan citizenship and had reportedly resided in Belgium for cancer treatment, was detained pending extradition proceedings. The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice confirmed receiving an extradition request from Indian authorities and assured Choksi access to legal counsel. His case is scheduled for a hearing in Belgian courts next week.
Choksi’s lawyer, Simon Bekaert, stated his intention to challenge the extradition, raising concerns about a fair trial in India. This is not Choksi’s first encounter with extradition proceedings. In 2021, a Dominican court dismissed a similar request after Choksi alleged kidnapping and assault. Interpol subsequently withdrew its Red Notice against him following claims of human rights violations.
The arrest has been hailed as a diplomatic victory by India’s Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The development comes amidst strengthened India-Belgium ties, including the signing of an extradition treaty in 2020 and recent high-level diplomatic exchanges. Nirav Modi, also implicated in the PNB fraud, remains imprisoned in the UK, fighting his own extradition to India. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate continue their investigations into the complex fraud case.
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