Mehul Choksi Caught in Belgium After 7-Year Hunt; India Seeks Extradition

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank (PNB) of over ₹13,500 crore, has been arrested in Belgium — a significant breakthrough for Indian investigative agencies after a seven-year pursuit.

Choksi was detained on Saturday while allegedly attempting to escape to Switzerland citing health issues. Acting swiftly on requests from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), Belgian authorities intercepted him before he could flee.

Indian agencies invoked the India-Belgium extradition treaty, originally signed in 1901 and retained post-independence, which allows extradition for serious crimes if punishable in both countries — a principle known as dual criminality.

A top CBI official confirmed that a formal extradition request was made with strong supporting evidence. Choksi faces charges under several IPC sections and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Belgium verified that the charges meet their legal standards. The treaty mandates filing an extradition plea within 14 days of arrest and submitting evidence within two months.

Choksi had been living in Antigua and Barbuda since 2018. His sudden arrest in Belgium came as he was reportedly preparing to move to Switzerland for treatment.

If extradited, Choksi will be tried in India for his role in the multi-crore banking scam.