Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium in ₹13,000 Cr PNB Fraud Case: CBI, ED Act
Published • 14 April 2025 at 4:49 AM
Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium: PNB Scam Fugitive Nabbed
Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, has been arrested in Belgium following coordinated efforts by Indian authorities, including the CBI and ED. Choksi, founder of Gitanjali Gems, is alleged to have orchestrated a massive banking scam using fake letters of undertaking and foreign credit guarantees. His arrest comes despite the removal of an Interpol Red Notice, triggered by India’s renewed extradition push. Choksi, who had been residing in Antigua, traveled to Europe for medical reasons—an act Indian officials argue invalidates his earlier claims of being unfit to return. Legal proceedings in Belgium are expected to prolong his extradition, as Choksi is likely to contest the move. Indian agencies continue efforts to have him declared a Fugitive Economic Offender. He faces multiple charges of fraud and conspiracy, supported by testimonies from insiders at PNB and Gitanjali Group. Meanwhile, his nephew, Nirav Modi, also wanted in the same case, remains in a UK prison, contesting extradition to India.
PNB Scam Fugitive Choksi Caught in Belgium After India Push
- Arrested in Belgium: Mehul Choksi, a prime accused in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, has been arrested in Belgium.
- Coordinated Effort: His arrest follows coordinated action by Indian authorities, including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
- Founder of Gitanjali Gems: Choksi is alleged to have masterminded a massive scam using fake Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and foreign credit guarantees.
- Despite Red Notice Removal: The arrest comes despite the removal of an Interpol Red Notice, driven by a renewed Indian push for extradition.
- Medical Travel: Choksi had been living in Antigua but traveled to Europe for medical treatment, which Indian officials say weakens his claim of being medically unfit to return.
- Extradition Challenge: Legal proceedings in Belgium are likely to be lengthy as Choksi is expected to contest extradition.
- Fugitive Economic Offender]: Indian agencies are pursuing to have him formally declared a Fugitive Economic Offender.
- Multiple Charges: He faces several charges including fraud and criminal conspiracy, with testimonies from PNB and Gitanjali Group insiders.
- Nirav Modi's Status: His nephew Nirav Modi, also accused in the case, remains in a UK prison, fighting extradition to India.
