Indian Fugitive Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium over $1.8 Billion Fraud

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond trader, has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request from India related to his involvement in a massive $1.8 billion bank fraud against Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 2018. Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of using forged documents to defraud the bank, leading to significant financial losses. Indian authorities anticipate that Choksi may challenge the extradition on medical grounds, complicating the legal proceedings. The case underscores the challenges of international cooperation in criminal justice and raises questions about Belgium's role in facilitating extradition processes. Choksi had fled India before the fraud allegations surfaced and had previously been residing in Dominica after leaving Antigua. The ongoing legal battles highlight the complexities of extradition law, particularly in high-profile fraud cases.