Indian authorities pursued Diamantaire Mehul Choksi relentlessly for more than seven years, covering three countries, with numerous setbacks, culminating in his capture in Belgium.
Along with his brother Neeshal Modi, wife Ami Modi, and nephew Nirav Modi, the owner of the Gitanjali Group is charged with committing a Rs 12,636 crore fraud at the state-run Punjab National Bank. Choksi, who is 65 years old, left India in 2018 just before the huge scam was discovered. After obtaining citizenship through the investment program, he took a plane to Antigua.
Choksi’s Past Custodial Issues:
Choksi was detained for unauthorized entry in the Dominican Republic in 2021. To secure his detention, a CBI team was dispatched to the Caribbean country. Choksi’s attorneys informed a Dominican court that he must go back to Antigua for medical treatment and promised to come back for a trial at a later date. Mehul received relief from the British Queen’s Privy Council after 51 days in jail, and the extradition process was halted. He returned to Antigua by plane. He was eventually cleared of the Dominican Republic’s charges of illegal entrance.
Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi held in Belgium at India's request
Choksi had left Antigua & Barbuda last year, reportedly for medical treatment in Belgium. CBI had sought his arrest from Belgian authorities in 2024 and followed up with an extradition request
He… pic.twitter.com/eDfG3srSkQ
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) April 14, 2025
How Did They Track Him:
During this period, he was monitored by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. They quickly notified the Belgian agency when they discovered he was there last year, according to sources within the agencies. Every document about the fraud case was likewise distributed. Choksi was apprehended by Belgian police on Saturday after they discovered that he was attempting to escape to Switzerland. Preeti Choksi, Choksi’s wife, is a citizen of Belgium. Choksi reportedly submitted false paperwork to obtain a Belgian resident permit. He also hid the fact that he was an Antiguan and Indian citizen. Choksi’s attorney informed a Mumbai court earlier in February that he was in Belgium receiving treatment for blood cancer and hence could not return to India.
The businessman also stated that he was willing to work with Indian authorities and appear in court via video conference; nevertheless, this proposal was turned down, and the agencies continued to pursue his extradition. His arrest is the result of these efforts, and Indian officials are currently attempting to get him returned for trial. According to Choksi’s attorney, he will apply to seek the businessman’s medical respite.
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