Mehul Choksi Detained In Belgium After India Seeks His Extradition In PNB Loan Fraud Case

Last Updated:April 14, 2025, 08:16 IST

The fugitive diamantaire is wanted in connection with the infamous Rs 13,500 crore loan fraud

Fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi. (File photo/AFP)

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who has been on the run from Indian authorities after his alleged massive financial scam, was detained in Belgium on Sunday.

Choksi was reportedly living in Belgium’s Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, who is a Belgian citizen, after securing an ‘F Residency Card’ in the country. The fugitive diamantaire, who is wanted in connection with the infamous Punjab Bank (PNB) fraud case, was granted residency in Belgium on November 15, 2023.

Citing officials, news agency PTI reported that Choksi has been detained in Belgium on India’s extradition request for his role in PNB bank loan ‘fraud’ case.

CNN-News18 sources had earlier said that Indian authorities have requested the Belgian government for Choksi’s extradition. However, his newly acquired Belgian residency complicates matters, granting him the freedom to travel between European countries and hindering efforts to bring him back to face trial in India.

Choksi’s fraudulent activities, which include a massive financial scam, have led to him being declared a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) by the government of India.

Choksi’s and his nephew, Nirav Modi have been accused of defrauding the PNB of over Rs 14,000 crore, one of biggest scam in the history of Indian banking.

In 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed its third charge sheet against Choksi, his wife Priti Choksi and others over their alleged involvement in the Rs 13,500 crore loan fraud.

Brussels, Belgium

News india Mehul Choksi Detained In Belgium After India Seeks His Extradition In PNB Loan Fraud Case