A belgian court has rejected all claims made by fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, one of the prime accused in the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. The court dismissed his allegations of threats to life, torture, denial of a fair trial, political persecution, and targeting based on religion or nationality, calling them “irrelevant” and “unsubstantiated.” Authorities said Choksi’s rights would be adequately safeguarded in India.

Jail conditions

The court reviewed assurances provided by the Indian government regarding Choksi’s detention and expressed satisfaction. According to submissions, he will be lodged in barrack no. 12 of Arthur Road Jail, which comprises two separate cells with private toilet facilities, spanning a total area of 46 sq m. Choksi will remain in judicial custody, rather than investigative custody, and will be moved only for medical reasons or court appearances. “The detention conditions and arrangements provided by India are sufficient to ensure that Choksi will not be subjected to violence, torture, or inhuman treatment,” the court noted, adding that his right to a fair trial will remain intact.

Barrack no. 12 in Arthur Road Jail, which contains two cells, where Choksi is to be lodged. Pics/By special Arrangement 

Allegations rejected

Choksi, 66, who holds dual citizenship of India and Antigua and Barbuda, has been in custody in Antwerp since April 2025. He had claimed that extradition to India would result in denial of justice, torture, inhuman treatment, and politically motivated trials. He also alleged that he was kidnapped by Indian agents in 2021 from Antigua. The Belgian court found no credible evidence supporting these claims. Documents submitted by Choksi and his legal team — including Interpol Files Control Commission papers — were deemed “inconclusive” and “conditional.” The court ruled that the kidnapping allegation did not affect the validity of the extradition process.

A step forward

The ruling strengthens India’s efforts to secure Choksi’s extradition. The CBI had sought his extradition based on two arrest warrants issued in 2018 and 2021 for charges including criminal conspiracy, fraud, forgery, destruction of evidence, and abuse of official position. The Antwerp Court of Appeal confirmed that all offences listed — except “causing disappearance of evidence” — are recognised under Belgian law, meeting the requirements of the Belgian Extradition Act, 1874.

Choksi retains the right to appeal before the Belgian Supreme Court within 15 days, which could delay the process, but officials said the ruling marks a major step forward in bringing him back to India.

ED probe

Investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) revealed that between 2014 and 2017, Choksi, in collusion with associates and certain PNB officials, fraudulently obtained Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit, causing a loss of Rs 6097.63 crore. He also defaulted on ICICI Bank loans. Searches at over 136 locations across India led to the seizure of valuables and jewellery worth R597.75 crore linked to his Gitanjali Group, while movable and immovable assets — including six flats in Santacruz and two factories in the Electronic Export Processing Zone valued at Rs 1968.15 crore — were attached. Restitution of additional properties is ongoing.

The barrack is protected by a steel structure

Global network

Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating a Rs 13,000-crore scam defrauding PNB through fake LoUs and fraudulent import transactions. The ED described Choksi as the mastermind of an organised international racket affecting lenders in India, Dubai, and the US. He obtained Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in 2017 through an investment programme, allowing him to evade Indian authorities. 

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