In a major development for India’s efforts to bring back economic offenders, an Antwerp court has officially ordered the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi. The court has validated his arrest by Belgian authorities based on India’s request, signaling a key advancement in the legal proceedings.
While Choksi retains the right to appeal this decision in a higher court, this ruling represents a critical initial victory for India. An official familiar with the matter noted, “This means he may not come immediately, but the first and a very important stage is cleared.”
The Antwerp court heard arguments from both the Belgian prosecutors, representing India’s extradition request, and Choksi himself. Following the proceedings, the court found the arrest and the extradition request to be valid.
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official confirmed the development, stating it signifies “India’s first successful step in the ongoing extradition proceedings against Choksi.” The official further elaborated that the Court of Appeals in Antwerp issued a preliminary judgment rejecting Choksi’s appeal, with the possibility of a further appeal to the Belgian Supreme Court within the next 15 days.
Mehul Choksi, 65, was apprehended by Antwerp police on April 11 based on the CBI’s extradition request. He has been held in prison for over four months, with his bail applications consistently denied by various Belgian courts.
India’s request for extradition cites various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and bribery. These charges are recognized as offenses in Belgium under the dual criminality clause of their extradition treaty. International conventions such as the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) were also invoked.
During the extradition process, the CBI presented substantial evidence of Choksi’s alleged fraud and fund diversion, highlighting his repeated attempts to evade legal processes. India’s government assured Belgian authorities that Choksi would be housed in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, specifically Barrack No. 12, which complies with European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) standards. Assurances were also given regarding his access to basic facilities, medical care, and the prevention of solitary confinement.
India maintains that Choksi remains an Indian citizen wanted for a fraud exceeding $950 million, disputing his claim of Antiguan nationality. Choksi, however, has contended in Belgian courts that he renounced his Indian citizenship in December 2018 after obtaining Antiguan citizenship in November 2017.
Indian investigators have provided documentary evidence detailing six alleged bank frauds committed by Choksi between 2018 and 2022, involving approximately ₹13,000 crore. The court found sufficient grounds to believe he posed a flight risk, leading to the extradition order.