Belgium Confirms Extradition of Mehul Choksi to India

Belgian Agencies have confirmed that the multi-billion diamond fugitive, Mehul Choksi, is in their custody, and he was arrested over the weekend. He is one of the most wanted criminals in India, along wth his nephew Nirav Modi. He has allegedly committed loan fraud of 13,568 crore. India has been trying for his extradition since 2018 but could not grant one because of clearance issues.

Choksi is now an Antiguan citizen, and he moved to Belgium a few years back for his cancer treatment. He was also successful in gaining a Belgian residential permit in 2023 after he got married to a Belgian National. Choksi also submitted medical documents in the Bombay court claiming that he had Blood Cancer and could not travel to India.

“Mr. Choksi is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings. Access to his legal counsel has been assured,” claimed the Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice, informed a news agency in India. It also added that “We can confirm that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for Mr. Choksi,” it further claimed.

Choksi is about to be presented before the court next week. India has been trying for his extraction for a long time. In 2021, a CBI petition submitted at Dominica asked for his extradition however, Choksi claimed that the Indian Government was quite brutal with him, and he was also beaten up by some of the agency people. Interpol has also withdrawn its red notice after they realised violation of Human rights.

Mr. Choksi’s lawyer claimed that “It goes without saying that we will fight that extradition; we have serious questions about the course of events.” Choksi’s lawyer also claimed that extradition to India will not bring much fruitful results and may lead to more challenges over time.

Choksi is currently challenging the Antiguan Government, which has decided to revoke the citizenship of Mehul Choksi. Moreover, his nephew has also been held in the UK, and upon India’s request, he is being held as a prisoner. However, he is also appealing to cancel his extradition to India.

India has strengthened its relationship with Belgium, and both countries signed the extradition policy in March 2020. A few days back in an economic delegation, the matter was spoken and Ministers from India were also invited which helped in sorting the cases further. The extradition process might become quite challenging. However, India is trying every bit to ensure that the extradition process is being managed properly.