Mehul Choksi, a diamantaire and a fugitive, running from India for a long time, might be nearing the end of his journey as authorities in Belgium declared his arrest legal, and backed by sufficient evidence.
A court in Belgium’s Antwerp on Friday cleared Choksi’s extradition. The order marks a strong case put forward by India regarding his extradition. As per the authorities, Choksi still holds the option of appealing to a higher court in Belgium. Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is the main accused behind the 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, one of the largest in the country’s history.
Sources reveal that the Antwerp court has heard both sides and found that India’s claim met all legal conditions as per the law in Belgium. Choksi took the citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017, and left India the next year. He was arrested a year ago in Belgium after his movements were tracked by International coordination channels.
The extradition request has been supported by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), working together with the External Affairs Ministry. The Indian government declared the Antwerp court’s move as a significant step towards punishing economic offenders.
As per earlier reports, Indian officials have informed the Belgian authorities that if Choksi is extradited will stay in Barrak no. 14 at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. He will be protected from overcrowding and solitary confinement. The mentioned cell, as per the 4th September communique released by the government of India, meets Europe’s minimum space standards as per the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
