Indian jeweller Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium. This comes seven years after his involvement in a major bank fraud was revealed. He is known for his role in a nearly $2 billion scam. Choksi’s lawyer confirmed his arrest and said they will appeal for his release.
Before his arrest, the Indian government requested Choksi’s extradition. This request was filed by India’s Enforcement Directorate. In 2018, Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced a fraud of $1.8 billion at a branch in Mumbai. The bank accused Choksi and his uncle, Nirav Modi, of defrauding them.
Choksi and Modi have denied any wrongdoing. Choksi previously claimed that Indian agencies were biased. He stated that they were interfering with justice. Now, his lawyer plans to argue that Choksi is not a flight risk. He is reportedly undergoing cancer treatment in Belgium.
On the other hand, Nirav Modi fled India in 2018. He was arrested in the UK in 2019 and remains in custody. He has lost an extradition appeal. Choksi often visited Antwerp, a diamond trading hub. This connection made it a plausible refuge for him.