Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium: A court in Belgium has provided significant remarks regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi, the businessman and economic offender wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The court stated, “There are no impediments to sending him back to India.”

Recently, Belgian authorities approved Choksi’s extradition to India. Choksi had claimed that his extradition was politically driven and infringed on his fundamental rights. Addressing these concerns, the Antwerp court clarified that Choksi is not a Belgian national and highlighted that the serious charges he faces warrant extradition. The court also emphasised that the crimes alleged by India would be considered criminal offences under Belgian law.

Additionally, the court dismissed Choksi’s long-standing argument that he was forcibly taken from Antigua due to India’s influence, stating that there is insufficient proof to substantiate such claims. The Belgian judiciary considered details from the Indian government about the prison where Choksi would be detained following extradition.

Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi—another principal accused in the massive fraud—fled India after defaulting on loans totalling ₹13,000 crore from Punjab National Bank. Choksi relocated to Antigua and Barbuda, while Nirav Modi sought refuge in London. The Antwerp court’s recent decision officially green-lighted Choksi’s extradition to India.