NEW DELHI: In a major development for India’s financial crime investigations, a court in Antwerp, Belgium, has ordered the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India. The court has validated Choksi’s arrest by Belgian authorities based on India’s request, signaling a significant stride in New Delhi’s efforts to bring the accused back to face charges.
While Choksi retains the right to appeal this decision in a higher court, officials familiar with the matter described the ruling as a crucial first step. “This means he may not come immediately, but the first and a very important stage is cleared,” an officer noted.
The Antwerp court, after hearing arguments from both the Belgian prosecutors representing India and Choksi’s defense, declared the arrest and the extradition request valid. Choksi, 65, has been in Belgian custody since his arrest on April 11, following an extradition request from India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His attempts to secure bail have been unsuccessful so far.
India’s extradition request cites charges including criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and falsification of accounts under the Indian Penal Code, as well as bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act. These charges are recognized as offenses in Belgium under the dual criminality clause of their extradition treaty. International conventions like the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) were also cited.
The CBI, which sent a team to Belgium on multiple occasions and engaged a European law firm, presented substantial evidence of Choksi’s alleged fraud and fund diversion, along with his efforts to evade legal proceedings.
To ensure compliance with European standards, the Indian government assured Belgian authorities that Choksi would be housed in Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. This facility is reportedly compliant with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) standards, and Choksi would be provided with essential amenities, including clean water, adequate food, medical facilities, access to news and television, and the choice of a private doctor, with no solitary confinement.
Authorities emphasized that Choksi remains an Indian citizen facing charges for a fraud exceeding $950 million. His claim to Antiguan nationality is reportedly disputed by Indian investigators.
Choksi’s defense in Belgian courts has centered on his surrender of Indian citizenship in December 2018, post acquiring Antiguan citizenship in November 2017. However, Indian investigators have provided extensive documentary evidence regarding six alleged bank frauds between 2018 and 2022, involving approximately ₹13,000 crore. The court appears convinced of the prima facie risk of Choksi absconding from Belgium.
The CBI located Choksi in Belgium in July of the previous year, leading to the formal extradition request being submitted to the Belgian government.