Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi Residing in Antwerp, Extradition Sought

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman implicated in a major bank fraud, is residing in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife, after reportedly obtaining a residency card through false documentation. Indian authorities are seeking his extradition, while Choksi is allegedly planning to move to Switzerland for medical treatment. He is wanted in connection with a Rs 13,500 crore fraud case involving Punjab National Bank.

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, is currently residing in Antwerp, Belgium, with his spouse, Preeti Choksi. He has reportedly secured a residency card in Belgium, as reported by the media outlet, Associated Times, which focuses on the Caribbean region. Indian authorities have initiated a request with their Belgian counterparts for Choksi’s extradition back to India.

Prior to his stay in Belgium, Choksi was believed to have lived in Antigua and Barbuda. His wife, Preeti, holds Belgian citizenship, which may have facilitated their relocation. The residency report alleges that Choksi misinformed Belgian authorities by submitting misleading documents to acquire his residency, thereby evading extradition.

Sources indicate that during the application process for residency, Choksi provided false declarations and forged papers, failing to disclose his Indian and Antiguan citizenship status. Furthermore, he is reportedly contemplating moving to Switzerland under the pretext of seeking medical treatment at a renowned cancer facility.

Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is implicated in a significant bank fraud case involving interrelated schemes to embezzle Rs 13,500 crore from Punjab National Bank using fraudulent letters of undertaking. Unlike Choksi, Nirav Modi is currently incarcerated in London as he contests his extradition to India, following several court denials for bail.

In May 2021, Choksi initially disappeared from Antigua, leading to a considerable investigation, although he was eventually located and returned to the island.

The situation surrounding Mehul Choksi underscores the complexities of international law and extradition processes. As he resides in Belgium under contentious circumstances, the Indian government’s efforts to secure his return highlight ongoing concerns about financial fraud. The unfolding developments, including his potential plans to relocate to Switzerland, warrant close monitoring as both an individual case and a broader regulatory issue in international banking and finance.

Original Source: indianexpress.com