Belgian court clears Mehul Choksi’s extradition to India, rules arrest lawful
- On Friday, the Court of Appeal in Antwerp approved Mehul Choksi's extradition and deemed his arrest earlier this year lawful after hearing Belgian prosecutors and Choksi's legal team.
- The Central Bureau of Investigation tracked Choksi to Belgium last year and sought his return over the Punjab National Bank scam involving fraudulent Letters of Undertaking that defrauded PNB of about Rs 13,000 crore.
- Facing charges under IPC sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, 477A, Choksi has been held in Antwerp Prison since April 11, 2025, with multiple bail pleas rejected.
- Officials said the decision clears a crucial legal step, but Choksi may appeal to the Belgian Supreme Court within 15 days, delaying immediate extradition despite India's assurances on detention at Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai.
- After multiple CBI visits and legal submissions, Belgium confirmed the offences meet the dual criminality clause, aided by invoking UNTOC, UNCAC, and hiring a European law firm.
24 Articles
24 Articles
What's next for Mehul Choksi as Belgium Court ‘dismisses’ extradition appeal?
Mehul Choksi's extradition appeal was rejected by a Belgian court, marking a significant step for India in securing his return. Choksi, accused of a ₹13,000 crore bank fraud, remains in custody and can appeal the decision within 15 days.
Belgian court orders Mehul Choksi's extradition to India
In a significant ruling, a Belgian court has approved the extradition of Mehul Choksi back to India, where he is the key figure in the infamous Punjab National Bank fraud case worth billions. Arrested earlier this year in Belgium, Choksi now has the option to challenge the court's verdict. He stands accused of serious charges, including conspiracy and money laundering.
Belgian Court Approves Fugitive Jeweller Mehul Choksi's Extradition To India
A court in Belgium on Friday approved the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India. The court in Antwerp ruled that Choksi's arrest by Belgian police, based on India's request, was valid.
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