Mehul Choksi Detained in Belgium Amid Extradition Proceedings

Mehul Choksi, wanted for a fraud case in India, was arrested in Belgium on April 12 after an extradition request. Detained for further proceedings, he faces multiple charges while ongoing discussions highlight his complex citizenship status and the legal repercussions of his actions. The case underscores international collaboration amid allegations of abduction and fraud.

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, was arrested in Belgium on April 12 at the request of Indian authorities. Belgium’s federal public service of justice announced that he is being detained for potential legal proceedings. The justice department confirmed they received an extradition request from India, but further details cannot be disclosed at this time.

Choksi, residing in Belgium since leaving Antigua and Barbuda last year, has been a subject of extradition negotiations initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His lawyer indicated Choksi was in Belgium for medical treatment, complicating the extradition process, as the CBI maintains contact with Belgian officials regarding the matter.

Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign minister Chet Greene stated that Choksi still holds citizenship and confirmed that discussions on his legal status are ongoing. He emphasized the collaboration between Indian and Caribbean governments, mentioning that both respect the rule of law as they navigate this issue.

Choksi faces serious charges in India linked to a massive fraud case involving Punjab National Bank (PNB). An Interpol red notice was issued against him in 2018, although it was later retracted following his claims of abduction by Indian agents. Following a failed attempt to deport him from Dominica, where he sought legal protection, he was returned to Antigua.

Further, Choksi is facing additional allegations from the CBI, including fraud against ICICI Bank, with cases totaling substantial sums involved. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues its investigation and has moved to attach Choksi’s assets valued at over ₹2,500 crore.

His apprehension has sparked significant backlash in the Caribbean, with accusations directed at the governments of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda regarding their cooperation with Indian authorities to pursue Choksi.

Mehul Choksi’s detention in Belgium for judicial proceedings marks a significant development in a case entangled with international law and allegations of fraud. As extradition processes unfold, the cooperation between Indian and Caribbean authorities remains crucial. The legal intricacies involving Choksi’s citizenship status, financial crimes, and prior allegations of abduction are set to complicate his legal challenges, warranting close monitoring of the situation.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com