Mon Apr 14 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Fugitive Diamond Tycoon Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium Amidst Cancer Treatment
**Brussels, Belgium –** Mehul Choksi, the fugitive Indian diamond businessman wanted for fraud, was apprehended in Belgium on Monday, April 14, 2025, while undergoing treatment for cancer, according to his lawyer, Vijay Agarwal. Agarwal stated Choksi is suffering from leukemia and has filed an appeal against his detention, arguing he poses no flight risk and should not be held in custody while the investigation proceeds. He further alleged Choksi was tortured during his previous transfer from Antigua to Dominica, resulting in a traumatic proximal tibiofibular fracture and dislocation. These claims allege mistreatment by Indian agents.
The Belgian government has confirmed it is closely monitoring the case. Choksi’s family has corroborated the arrest, stating he was taken from a hospital where he was receiving cancer treatment. His legal team plans to argue against extradition to India, citing concerns about a fair trial. Reports in the Belgian media, confirmed by Choksi’s local lawyer, also allege he was tasered during the 2021 transfer.
Meanwhile, a whistleblower, Hariprasad S.V., who previously exposed Choksi’s alleged Ponzi scheme, expressed skepticism about a swift return to India, citing stricter European extradition laws and human rights considerations. Hariprasad detailed his own experience with Choksi, recounting a failed business deal and subsequent discovery of widespread fraud involving millions of rupees siphoned from India. He had previously alerted authorities to the risk of Choksi fleeing the country, a prediction that ultimately proved accurate. He also reported filing complaints and alerting the Prime Minister’s Office years ago. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also issued a ₹5.35-crore demand notice to Choksi. Previously, Choksi had successfully fought against his removal from Antigua and Barbuda without a court order. The ongoing legal battle promises to be complex and lengthy.
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