Belgian court in Antwerp sanctions the extradition of Mehul Choksi to India, affirming the legitimacy of his arrest by Belgian authorities earlier this year. Choksi has the option to challenge the ruling in a higher court, delaying his immediate repatriation. Officials view this decision as a significant initial step in the extradition procedure.
Following a formal request from Indian authorities, Choksi was apprehended by Antwerp police on April 11, 2025, and has since been detained in a Belgian prison. Despite multiple unsuccessful bail attempts due to flight risk concerns, he remains in custody.
During the court proceedings, both parties, represented by Belgian prosecution acting on India’s behalf and Choksi’s legal counsel, presented their arguments. The court determined that the alleged offenses in India, such as criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, evidence destruction, and corruption, are punishable under Belgian law, meeting the extradition prerequisite of “dual criminality.”
India has leveled various charges against Choksi under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, citing international treaties such as the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), to which Belgium is a signatory. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has provided evidence during three visits to Belgium and enlisted a European law firm for legal support.
Assurances have been made by India to Belgian authorities regarding Choksi’s humane treatment if extradited. He is slated to be housed in Barrack No. 12 at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, meeting European human rights standards with provisions for basic necessities, entertainment, and medical care, ensuring he is not placed in isolation.
India contests Choksi’s claim of renouncing Indian citizenship in 2018 after acquiring Antiguan citizenship in 2017, asserting his continued Indian nationality. Choksi is a key figure in the notorious ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, accused of fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering between 2011 and 2018 before fleeing India in early 2018.
The Belgian court highlighted the genuine risk of Choksi absconding and upheld the validity of his arrest, acknowledging the concerns over potential flight.