Belgian authorities approve India’s extradition request following Mehul Choksi’s arrest

In a major breakthrough for Indian investigative agencies, Belgian authorities confirmed on Monday, April 14, 2025, that Mehul Choksi — the elusive diamond mogul turned international fugitive — has finally been taken into custody. His arrest over the weekend near his luxury residence in Antwerp marks a dramatic turn in one of India’s largest financial fraud cases, where he, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, stands accused of orchestrating a colossal banking scam worth over ₹13,578 crore involving Punjab National Bank.

Choksi, who has evaded Indian law enforcement for years, has been under the radar of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) since he fled India in 2018. His disappearance set off a massive global manhunt spanning several countries and jurisdictions. While India has issued repeated extradition requests over the years, his Antiguan citizenship and complex international legal maneuvers kept him out of reach — until now.

According to official statements from Belgium’s Federal Public Service of Justice, Choksi is currently being held in custody and is expected to face judicial proceedings soon. “He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial procedures. Legal representation has been made available to him,” the Belgian Justice Department confirmed in a formal response to The Hindu. Most importantly, the department acknowledged receipt of India’s formal extradition request — a sign that the process to bring Choksi back to India may finally be on track.

Interestingly, Choksi’s arrest in Belgium comes after a series of strategic relocations. After obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda — reportedly through the controversial Citizenship by Investment Program — Choksi later shifted base to Belgium, citing urgent medical needs. According to sources close to the investigation, Choksi claimed he moved for specialized treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer. His medical condition, supported by documents submitted to a special court in Mumbai as recently as February 2025, had previously stalled attempts at extradition on humanitarian grounds.

Despite his illness, the 64-year-old businessman was allegedly living a comfortable life in Antwerp, one of Europe’s biggest diamond trade hubs, and ironically, the very epicenter of the industry that helped him build his empire. In November 2023, he was granted a Belgian residency permit, reportedly through his wife, who holds Belgian citizenship — a move seen by many as a calculated attempt to evade extradition under the guise of family ties and medical duress.

Now, with Belgian authorities cooperating with Indian officials, the tide may be turning. For years, the Indian government has faced criticism for its inability to bring back high-profile economic offenders. Choksi’s arrest is being viewed not just as a legal win, but a symbolic victory in India’s fight against corruption and financial fraud.

As extradition proceedings unfold, all eyes will remain on Belgium’s courts. Whether Choksi will be swiftly returned to face trial in India or entangle the process in further legal delays remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the net around Mehul Choksi is finally tightening.