CBI Seeks Mehul Choksi’s Extradition, Engages Belgian Authorities
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is actively pursuing the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, engaging with Belgian authorities following his arrest on April 14, 2025. Accused of orchestrating the massive PNB scam, Choksi’s potential return to India could be a turning point in the high-profile financial fraud case.
Mehul Choksi's attempt to return fast, CBI enhanced screws and help in extradition sought from Belgium. Efforts to bring fugitive diamond businessman Mehul Choksi to India have intensified. After the arrest on 14 April 2025, the CBI is now in active contact with the Belgium administration. Choksi's return to India, the main accused in the PNB scam, could prove to be a major turn in this much talked about financial scam.
Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, who is accused of a big scam of ₹ 13,850 crore associated with Punjab National Bank (PNB), has been arrested in Belgium. The arrest was taken after a formal request sent by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to the Government of Belgium at the insistence of the Government of India. This arrest of Choksi is considered an important success in the direction of bringing him to the dock of justice by India.
Excuse of illness, rescue was the real purpose
Mehul Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal had told a Mumbai court in February that he was in Belgium for the client treatment. At the same time, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had demanded from the court that Choksi be declared a 'fugitive economic offender'. However, after the arrest of Choksi, more questions have been raised on her intention.
CBI engaged in the process of dearth
Choksi was arrested on Saturday in Belgium. An official said that his bail process can take a long time. The CBI is in coordination with the Belgium administration to complete the legal process of extradition of Choksi. Earlier, the Government of India had tried to get Choksi detained from Dominica as well, but he was not a citizen there, causing the matter to be stuck.
Choksi has also accused of kidnapping and torture
Choksi filed a petition in the High Court and accused him of kidnapping and harassment. The case is of 2021 when Choksi tried to confuse the extradition process by calling herself a victim amidst India's efforts in Dominica.
13,578 crore scam and absconding for a long time
Choksi has been accused of fraud of Rs 13,578 crore by Indian investigative agencies. This case is included in the country's largest banking scams. Choksi ran away from India in the year 2018 and was first living in Antigua-Barbuda. Now another big step has moved ahead of India's diplomatic efforts.
What will happen now?
Now the eyes are on the decision of the Belgium Court. If the court approves India's extradition request, it will be possible to face the case by bringing Choksi to India. This action has also sent a strict message to the economic criminals that it is no longer easy to hide abroad.
