How India and Belgium Foiled Mehul Choksi’s Escape to Switzerland

Indian authorities tracked the fugitive diamantaire across three countries, leading to his arrest in Belgium just as he attempted to flee for cancer treatment.

April 15, 2025: In a major breakthrough after seven years of pursuit, fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium over the weekend, thwarting his latest attempt to escape to Switzerland under the guise of seeking medical treatment. The arrest marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to bring him to justice for his role in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud.

Also Read: Mehul Choksi Tried to Flee to Switzerland Before Arrest in Belgium: 7-Year Manhunt Finally Pays Off

Choksi, the Gitanjali Group owner, had fled India in 2018 alongside his nephew Nirav Modi, wife Ami Modi, and brother Neeshal Modi. After acquiring Antiguan citizenship via an investment route, he remained elusive despite multiple attempts by Indian agencies to secure his return.

Also Read: Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium: India Closer to Justice in ₹13,850 Crore PNB Scam

The Belgium Operation

The joint operation was led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), who had been tracking Choksi’s movements globally. Intelligence revealed that he planned to travel to Hirslanden Klinik Aarau in Switzerland for cancer treatment — a trip that would have made extradition increasingly difficult.

Indian officials discovered that Choksi had secured an F residency card in Belgium in November 2024 using forged documents, allegedly with help from his wife Preeti Choksi, a Belgian national. He falsely cited critical medical issues and concealed his dual citizenship status (Indian and Antiguan).

When authorities found out he was attempting to upgrade to an F+ residency, which would complicate extradition, Indian officials moved swiftly. Belgian authorities suspended the application and arrested Choksi in Antwerp based on two non-bailable warrants issued by Indian courts in 2018 and 2021.

Legal Battle Ahead

Choksi is currently in a Belgian jail, and a bail hearing is expected soon. His lawyer Vijay Aggarwal confirmed the arrest and said they are preparing to challenge it on health grounds. “We will request his release, citing his cancer treatment,” Aggarwal stated.

A History of Escapes

This isn’t Choksi’s first international encounter. In 2021, he was caught entering the Dominican Republic illegally. India sent a CBI team to retrieve him, but his legal team argued for medical repatriation to Antigua, which was eventually granted by the British Queen’s Privy Council. Choksi spent 51 days in jail before returning to Antigua.

Despite repeated setbacks, Indian authorities persisted. In 2024, they located him in Belgium and shared a detailed fraud dossier with local law enforcement. Belgian police acted decisively, arresting him before he could flee once again.

Extradition Proceedings Underway

With Choksi now in custody, CBI and ED are preparing a formal extradition request. This latest development could bring India a step closer to putting the fugitive businessman on trial for one of the country’s biggest banking frauds.

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