New Delhi, October 17, 2025: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi is one step closer to returning to India after an Antwerp court in Belgium approved his extradition. The court ruled that Choksi’s arrest by Belgian authorities on the basis of India’s request was valid, marking a crucial development in New Delhi’s efforts to bring the fugitive businessman to face legal proceedings over multiple financial fraud cases.

While the extradition order is significant, Choksi retains the right to appeal the decision in a higher Belgian court, which means his immediate return to India may not materialize. An officer familiar with the matter noted, “This means he may not come immediately, but the first and a very important stage is cleared.”

Background of Arrest and Extradition Proceedings

Choksi, 65, was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11, 2025, following a formal extradition request submitted by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Since then, he has been lodged in a Belgian prison. Multiple attempts by Choksi to secure bail in various Belgian courts have been unsuccessful.

India’s extradition request was based on several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:

• 120B – criminal conspiracy
• 201 – destruction of evidence
• 409 – criminal breach of trust
• 420 – cheating
• 477A – falsification of accounts

Additionally, the request cited sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Belgium recognizes these offences under the principle of dual criminality, a requirement in extradition treaties whereby the alleged offences must also constitute crimes under Belgian law. India further invoked the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in support of its request.

India’s Presentation in Belgian Courts

During the proceedings, which included multiple appearances by a CBI team in Belgium and collaboration with a European law firm, India presented detailed evidence of Choksi’s alleged bank frauds, diversion of funds, and attempts to evade legal proceedings. The evidence encompassed multiple financial transactions and documentation showing the flow of funds from Choksi’s companies to accounts abroad.

India also assured Belgian authorities that, if extradited, Choksi would be held at Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai, specifically in Barrack No. 12, which complies with European standards under the Committee for Prevention of Torture (CPT). The assurances included:

• Provision of adequate food and clean drinking water
• Medical facilities and access to private doctors
• Access to newspapers and television
• Assurance that he would not face solitary confinement

These commitments were crucial in satisfying Belgian authorities that Choksi’s human rights and treatment in custodywould be protected upon his return.

Citizenship Dispute

A key aspect of Choksi’s defence has been his claim of Antiguan citizenship, which he obtained on November 16, 2017, followed by a formal renunciation of Indian citizenship on December 14, 2018. Indian authorities have disputed this claim, citing evidence that Choksi remains an Indian citizen wanted for serious financial crimes, including alleged fraud totaling nearly ₹13,000 crore across six bank-related cases between 2018 and 2022.

The Belgian court, reviewing the submissions and supporting documents, noted a prima facie risk of Choksi fleeing Belgium if released, reinforcing the need for extradition to India.

Timeline and Legal Context

CBI investigators first tracked Choksi to Belgium in July 2024. Following his location, India formally requested extradition, leading to his arrest in April 2025. Since then, legal proceedings have focused on:

• Verifying the legality of his arrest under Belgian law
• Reviewing India’s claims and evidence of financial fraud
• Assessing Choksi’s citizenship claims and potential risk of flight

The Antwerp court’s approval now clears the first significant legal hurdle in the extradition process. However, the appeal process in Belgium means that while Choksi’s eventual return to India is likely, it may not be immediate.

Implications for India

The extradition order represents a major victory for Indian authorities in their pursuit of Choksi, who remains a high-profile fugitive linked to the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, one of India’s largest banking scams. His return would allow the CBI and other investigative agencies to prosecute Choksi in person, potentially expediting legal proceedings against him and associated parties.

Officials have emphasized that Choksi’s extradition could also send a strong signal internationally, reaffirming India’s commitment to pursuing financial criminals across borders and strengthening cooperation under mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) and extradition agreements.

Next Steps

Choksi’s legal team is expected to file an appeal in a higher Belgian court, which could delay his return. Meanwhile, Indian authorities continue to prepare for his eventual repatriation, ensuring all legal, logistical, and custodial arrangements are in place.

The extradition process underscores the complexities of international financial crime cases, where fugitives exploit cross-border jurisdictions, multiple citizenships, and lengthy legal procedures to evade accountability. Choksi’s case also highlights the importance of bilateral cooperation between India and European countries in tackling transnational financial crimes.