In a decisive legal victory for Indian authorities, Belgium's highest court has paved the way for the extradition of Mehul Choksi, the wanted diamond merchant at the center of one of India's largest banking scandals.
Court Rejects Final Appeal
The Court of Cassation in Belgium has dismissed Choksi's final legal challenge against his extradition, effectively ending his prolonged battle to avoid facing trial in India. This ruling marks the culmination of a lengthy legal process that has spanned multiple jurisdictions.
The Massive PNB Fraud
Choksi stands accused of orchestrating a staggering ₹13,000 crore fraud against Punjab National Bank, one of the most significant financial scams in Indian banking history. The elaborate scheme involved fraudulent letters of undertaking that went undetected for years before unraveling in 2018.
International Fugitive Saga
The controversial jeweller had been fighting extradition since his dramatic capture in Dominica in 2021, after which he was moved to Belgium. His legal team had raised numerous objections, including concerns about his treatment upon return to India, all of which have now been systematically addressed by the Belgian judicial system.
What Comes Next?
With all legal avenues exhausted in Belgium, Indian authorities can now proceed with the formal extradition process. This development represents a major breakthrough for Indian investigative agencies that have been pursuing Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi across international borders for over five years.
The ruling sends a strong message about international cooperation in financial crime cases and represents a significant step toward justice for the victims of the PNB fraud.
