The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday (April 17) confirmed that fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium following an extradition request made by India. The Indian government is now actively coordinating with Belgian authorities to secure his return.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition.”
The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice also confirmed the arrest, stating that Choksi was detained on April 12, 2025 and is currently being held pending further legal proceedings.
“The Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, 12th of April 2025. He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings. Access to his legal counsel has been assured,” the Belgian federal public service of Justice was quoted as saying by ANI.
Additionally, Belgian authorities acknowledged receiving a formal extradition request from India. “Finally, the Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for Mr. Choksi. As is standard in individual cases, no further details can be released at this stage,” they had informed.
All about Mehul Choksi and PNB fraud
Choksi, 65, fled India on January 2, 2018 and is wanted by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the massive Rs 13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud. His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also a key accused in the same case.
Investigations have revealed that between 2014 and 2017, Choksi conspired with his associates and certain PNB officials to fraudulently secure Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit, causing a loss of Rs 6,097.63 crore to the bank.
Following news of his arrest, Choksi’s lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, raised concerns over his client’s treatment if extradited, claiming that his “human rights would be greatly affected” upon return to India.