Mehul Choksi Nabbed in Belgium, Faces Return to India Over ₹13,850 Cr Scam

Belgium (The Uttam Hindu): Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, has been arrested in Belgium. The arrest took place on April 13, 2025, following India's formal extradition request. Choksi was taken into custody based on two non-bailable warrants issued by Indian courts in 2018 and 2021, marking a major development in the ongoing efforts to bring back economic offenders.

Choksi, who earlier held Antiguan citizenship had shifted to Belgium in 2023 and acquired residency under the country’s F card program. Authorities reportedly found that he had concealed key information regarding his Indian and Antiguan nationalities during the application process. Indian investigative agencies including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate are coordinating with Belgian officials to expedite the extradition process.

The arrest of Choksi is seen as a significant breakthrough in India’s campaign to prosecute high-profile economic offenders. His nephew, Nirav Modi also facing charges in the same bank fraud case is currently in the UK contesting extradition. With Choksi now in custody, authorities are hopeful of closing in on long-pending legal proceedings related to the country’s biggest banking scam.