Mehul Choksi in Belgian Custody; Extradition Request Under Review

Belgium has officially confirmed the arrest of fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, who was taken into custody on April 12, 2025. The 65-year-old diamond trader is currently being held while judicial proceedings are underway. The Belgian Federal Public Justice Service stated that Choksi has been provided access to legal counsel during his detention.

Indian authorities have submitted a formal request for his extradition. However, Belgian officials have refrained from sharing additional information, citing their standard procedures in such individual legal matters.

Choksi, wanted by Indian investigative agencies—the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED)—is a key accused in the Rs 13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. He fled India on January 2, 2018, and has since evaded arrest despite multiple legal efforts.

With Belgium confirming both his arrest and the receipt of India’s extradition request, the case may soon progress towards Choksi’s possible return to face trial.