Brussels, April 13, 2025 – Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, wanted for a Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, was arrested in Belgium late Saturday on India’s extradition request, marking a major win for the CBI and ED. The 65-year-old, who fled India in 2018 and dodged capture in Antigua since 2021, now faces a Brussels court hearing Monday to decide his return, per NDTV.
Choksi, uncle to PNB scam kingpin Nirav Modi, allegedly siphoned Rs 7,080 crore via fake credit letters, tanking the bank (The Indian Express). Belgium’s Federal Police nabbed him at a Brussels hotel after Interpol’s red notice—his Antiguan passport, revoked last month, left him cornered (The Hindu). “It’s a breakthrough—CBI’s relentless,” an agency source told Times of India. India’s dossier, citing 2018 CBI charges under IPC Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (conspiracy), swayed Brussels (The Economic Times).
His 2021 Antigua “abduction” claim—blaming Indian agents—fell flat; Antigua’s PM Gaston Browne called it “drama” (India Today). Choksi’s health pleas—heart issues—delayed his run, but Belgium’s no haven. “Extradition’s likely—India’s evidence is ironclad,” a legal expert told The Indian Express. Posts on X buzz—“Choksi’s done!”—but some doubt: “Will he slip again?” (post:3). Nirav’s 2023 UK jail stint set the stage—India’s nabbed 22 fugitives since 2014 (MEA).
For India, it’s justice delayed—PNB’s stock still reels, down 40% since 2018 (BSE). With Rana’s 26/11 probe raging, can Choksi’s return close a scam saga, or just stir more shadows?
