Belgium’s Federal Public Service of Justice confirmed on Monday that fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi was arrested, and that Indian authorities have submitted an extradition request for him.
“Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium on Saturday, April 12, 2025, . He is currently in Belgian custody pending further judicial proceedings. He has been granted access to legal counsel. The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice can confirm that Indian authorities have submitted a formal request for his extradition,” the agency stated, as reported by news agency ANI.
Belgium confirms arrest of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, says India has introduced extradition request
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Authorities in Belgium added that Choksi remains in detention as legal proceedings are being prepared, with full access to legal representation assured.
Who is Mehul Choksi?
Mehul Choksi, 65, is a diamond merchant, and the owner of Gitanjali Group, a retail jewellery firm with 4,000 stores in India. Choksi is wanted by India’s premier investigative agencies — the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) — in connection with a Rs13,850 crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank (PNB). Choksi fled India on January 2, 2018. His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also an accused in the same case.
Both Choksi and Nirav Modi are alleged to have used forged bank documents to defraud PNB. Nirav Modi is currently incarcerated in the United Kingdom and is contesting his extradition to India.
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Before relocating to Belgium, Choksi had been living in Antigua and Barbuda. He obtained Belgian residency on November 15, 2023. His wife, Preeti Choksi, holds Belgian citizenship.
A report by Associates Times alleges that Choksi acquired Belgian residency using fraudulent documentation, including false declarations. It further claims he misrepresented his nationality, hiding his Indian and Antiguan citizenships to avoid extradition.
Choksi’s Arrest: A Diplomatic Win for India
Reacting to Choksi’s arrest, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal hailed it as a diplomatic success for India.
“This is a proud moment for the country. The arrest was made possible through effective diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” the minister said.
