New Delhi: Mehul Choksi, the fugitive businessman accused in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, has recently been spotted outside his safe haven, triggering fresh efforts by Indian authorities to bring him back. Choksi’s relative, Nirav Modi, also wanted in the same case, is currently in jail in London as extradition proceedings continue.
Choksi’s Escape Route: Antigua Citizenship and the Challenges of Extradition
After being named in the massive PNB fraud case, Mehul Choksi obtained citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, exploiting the fact that India has no extradition treaty with the Caribbean nation. This allowed him to live securely in Antigua despite being declared a fugitive by Indian courts. In contrast, his relative Nirav Modi has not been so fortunate and remains behind bars in the UK, awaiting extradition.
Choksi’s recent appearance in Belgium has sparked renewed activity among Indian investigative agencies. According to sources, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has urged authorities in Belgium to take immediate custody of Choksi to prevent another escape attempt.
India’s Extradition Push: CBI and ED Ramp Up Efforts
Indian agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), are now preparing to send a formal extradition request to Belgium. A senior government official expressed concern that if not apprehended quickly, Choksi could flee Belgium, making another extradition attempt even more challenging.
Both Choksi and Nirav Modi are key suspects in the Rs 13,400 crore PNB scam, one of India’s largest banking fraud cases. While Nirav Modi is currently fighting legal battles in the UK, Indian authorities are striving to expedite the process of bringing both fugitives back to face justice.
Legal Loopholes and Delays: Choksi’s Defence Tactics
In May this year, Mehul Choksi filed a petition in a Mumbai court through his lawyer, claiming that his return to India was beyond his control due to his suspended passport. He argued that this restriction prevented him from being declared a ‘fugitive economic offender,’ further complicating the extradition process.
Choksi’s legal manoeuvres have consistently slowed down efforts to secure his return. His case is made even more complex by the absence of an extradition treaty with Antigua and Barbuda, where he initially sought refuge. However, his sighting in Belgium could be a turning point if Indian authorities act swiftly.
A Long Road Ahead: Extradition Hopes and Challenges
The renewed focus on Choksi’s extradition highlights the broader challenges India faces in dealing with high-profile economic offenders who exploit international legal loopholes. As Indian authorities gear up for a fresh push, the global chase for Mehul Choksi continues, with hopes that this latest sighting could lead to a long-awaited resolution.
With Choksi’s legal and geographical evasions drawing international attention, the case remains a test of India’s determination to bring economic fugitives to justice. The next steps in Belgium will be crucial, as Indian authorities look to end one of the country’s most notorious financial scandals.