Last update:
Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium: PMLA’s investigation into the PNB fraud began on the basis of a signed by the ICC in 2018 against Mehul Choksi and others for the offensive of criminal conspiracy, trap and corruption
The fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi. (File photo/AFP)
From the first information report in 2018 to the extradition request in 2025, the Indian agencies carried out an extensive probe on the PNB scam of 13,000 million rupees that involves Diamonde Mehul Choksi of ABS, according to the Catus Compliance Report.
Chaksi was arrested in Belgium on April 12. The Belgian police touched their custody in Antwerp based on an extradition application transferred by the Central Investigation Office (CBI) and the Configuration Directorate (ED), official sources said on Monday.
Choksi, 65, was located in Belgium last year after arriving there on the argument of receiving medical treatment, at some point in November 2023. He had stayed in Antigua after leaving India in 2018 and had citizenship tasks of the Caribbean condition.
The first FIR was filed in 2018
From 2014 to 2017, Choksi through its beneficial property companies, namely m/s. Gitanjali Gems Ltd., M/S Gili India Ltd. … Mumbai.
The investigation of the Money Laundering Prevention Law (PMLA) began on the basis of a first information report (FIR) registered by the CBI Mumbai on February 15, 2018 against Choksi and others for crimes of criminal conspiracy, trap, corruption, etc., which resulted in an unfair loss of PNB.
Search for extradition request
After the registration of the PMLA case in 2018, searches were made throughout India, which resulted in seizures of valuables/jewels worth 598 million rupees.
Choksi was summoned three times to appear before the investigating authorities, but did not appear before Ed. An unknown opening order (NBW) that has OW. No. 20525/18 dated 08.08.2018 was issued against Choksi by the Special Court of PMLA, Mumbai. His passport was revoked at ed.
A warm notice was issued against Choksi, Rakesh Gajera, Sunil Varma, Jayeshkumar Indravadan Shah and Nehal Modi (all are accused in the case). Notices were issued against Choksi and its nearby associates.
A prosecution complaint was filed (PMLA Spl. No. 09/2018 dated 28.06.2018) was filed against Choksi and another 13 before the Special Court of PMLA, Mumbai. In addition, two supplementary PCs were presented (No. 1105/2020 dated 07.04.2020 and no: 410/2022 dated 14.03.2022) were presented against Choksi and another five in the case.
An application of 10.07.2018, requesting to declare a fugitive economic (ugly) offender and for the confiscation of its already attached/seized properties for the value of RS 2,345 million rupetes approximately a court in Mumbai. 2018.
The extradition application (dated 09.08.2018) for Choksi was sent to the OA Ancient and Barbuda government. Choksi, while leaving Antigua and entered the Republic of Dominican illegally, was arrested by the authorities in Dominica.
In July 2024, information was received from the NCB Brussels that Choksi was experiencing some medical treatment in Belgium. According to this information, several documents related to the case were shared with NCB-Brussels. On the deliberation and consultation with CBI officials (NCB) and Mea, an extradition application of 25.10.2024, according to the desired model of the Belgium authorities, was sent to the government of the Kingdom of Belgium.
