Kushal Goyal 
Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium
Table of contents
- Introduction – Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium
- Detailed Background on Mehul Choksi -Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium
- The Punjab National Bank Scam: A Deep Dive – Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium
- Choksi’s Escape and Previous Legal Battles
- Current Legal Status and Extradition Process
- Impact and Public Reactions
- Related Cases and Broader Implications
- Conclusion and Future Outlook
- Detailed Tables for Clarity
Introduction – Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium
On April 14, 2025, Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond trader wanted in India for his alleged role in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud, was arrested in Belgium following an extradition request from Indian authorities. This event, reported across major news outlets like India Today and Hindustan Times, marks a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of justice for one of its largest banking frauds. The arrest, occurring on April 12, 2025, in a Belgian hospital where Choksi was receiving treatment for blood cancer, has garnered significant attention due to its legal, financial, and international implications.
Detailed Background on Mehul Choksi -Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium
Mehul Choksi, born on May 5, 1959, in Bombay, took over Gitanjali Gems in 1985, expanding it to over 4,000 stores. He is the uncle of Nirav Modi, another key figure in the PNB scam. Choksi’s business success was marred by allegations of fraud, leading him to flee India in 2018. He obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through investment and later moved to Belgium for medical treatment, where his arrest occurred. This background sets the stage for understanding his evasion and the current legal battle.
The Punjab National Bank Scam: A Deep Dive – Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium
The PNB scam, uncovered in 2018, involved fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) worth over ₹13,500 crore, issued without proper documentation by PNB officials at the Brady House branch in Mumbai. Choksi and associates allegedly colluded to secure these LoUs, siphoning funds through overseas credit, causing significant losses. The scam exposed banking system vulnerabilities, with investigations by the CBI and ED revealing a network of complicity. This context is crucial for understanding the stakes of Choksi’s arrest.
Choksi’s Escape and Previous Legal Battles
Choksi fled India on January 2, 2018, days before the scam surfaced, first traveling to the US and then to Antigua and Barbuda, where he gained citizenship. In 2021, he was detained in Dominica for illegal entry, claiming kidnapping by Indian agents, but was returned to Antigua. His move to Belgium for cancer treatment led to his arrest, highlighting his efforts to evade justice through international mobility and legal maneuvers.
Current Legal Status and Extradition Process
Choksi was arrested on April 12, 2025, in a Belgian hospital, based on India’s extradition request submitted in September 2024, supported by non-bailable warrants from Mumbai courts. He is detained, with his legal team planning to appeal for bail citing health issues, including cancer. India is exploring deportation as an alternative, but the extradition process, governed by treaties with Belgium, may be lengthy, with potential challenges from Choksi’s legal team.
Impact and Public Reactions
The arrest has been welcomed by Indian authorities, with the CBI and ED viewing it as a step toward justice. Public reaction is mixed, with celebrations tempered by skepticism about extradition success. Legal experts, as noted in Times of India, highlight the complexity, citing Choksi’s access to top European lawyers. This arrest could boost confidence in India’s fight against financial crimes.
Related Cases and Broader Implications
Nirav Modi, Choksi’s nephew, remains in London, fighting extradition, with his case delayed by legal challenges. Other PNB officials and Choksi’s associates have faced charges in India, with assets attached and auctioned. The scam’s impact on PNB’s finances and reputation continues, with this arrest potentially encouraging international cooperation in fraud cases, as seen in reports from Business Standard.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Mehul Choksi’s arrest in Belgium is a significant development, offering hope for justice in the PNB scam. While challenges remain, it underscores India’s determination to hold fraudsters accountable. As legal proceedings unfold, this could redefine international efforts against financial crimes, with ongoing updates available at NDTV.
Detailed Tables for Clarity
Table 1: Key Details of Mehul Choksi’s Arrest
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Arrest | April 12, 2025 |
| Location | Hospital in Belgium, Antwerp |
| Reason for Arrest | India’s extradition request, PNB fraud case |
| Health Condition | Undergoing treatment for blood cancer |
| Legal Status | Detained, bail appeal planned on medical grounds |
Table 2: PNB Scam Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount Involved | Over ₹13,500 crore |
| Key Method | Fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) |
| Main Accused | Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi |
| Impact on PNB | Significant financial loss, reputational damage |
Key Citations
- Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium on India’s extradition request
- Mehul Choksi is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in the ₹13,500-crore bank loan fraud case
- Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium: The case against him so far, what next
- His wallet is full: PNB scam whistleblower on Mehul Choksi’s India extradition after arrest in Belgium
- Diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s arrest in Belgium is result of relentless pursuit by Indian agencies
- What is PNB Scam | PNB Fraud Case | Nirav Modi Case
Imran Akhter 
Sunita Singh 
mehul will be die soon he has cancer.. how could government will take out the money from him..
nothing going to happened as the two leader has their cut on that he was his agent.