Mehul Choksi Allegedly Residing in Antwerp, Belgium Amid Extradition Efforts

Mehul Choksi is reportedly residing in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife after obtaining residency through alleged fraudulent means. Indian authorities have requested his extradition concerning a bank fraud case. Choksi’s past movements, documentation issues, and connections to Nirav Modi add complexity to this case.

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, is reportedly residing in Antwerp, Belgium, alongside his wife, Preeti Choksi, after receiving a residency card. This information comes from Associated Times, a media source covering the Caribbean region. The Indian government has requested the Belgian authorities to commence extradition procedures, although Indian officials have not yet confirmed this report.

Choksi is a prime suspect in a significant bank loan fraud case involving Rs 13,500 crore and was allegedly based in Antigua before his relocation to Belgium. His wife, Preeti Choksi, holds Belgian citizenship, which may factor into their residence.

The report asserts that Choksi has allegedly provided misleading and falsified documents to secure his residency in Belgium as a means to evade extradition to India. He reportedly submitted false declarations and forged documents, failing to reveal his Indian nationality and existing citizenship of Antigua during the application process.

Additionally, it has been suggested that Choksi intends to relocate to Switzerland for medical treatment at a prominent cancer hospital. He, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of embezzling Rs 13,500 crore from the public sector Punjab National Bank through fraudulent letters of undertaking. Meanwhile, Nirav Modi remains incarcerated in a London jail and is actively contesting his extradition to India following multiple denials for bail.

Choksi mysteriously disappeared in May 2021 from Antigua but was later located and returned to the island. This ongoing situation raises significant legal and diplomatic implications as authorities pursue his extradition.

In summary, Mehul Choksi’s reported presence in Belgium raises complex issues surrounding extradition efforts by Indian authorities. Having allegedly used fraudulent documentation to secure residency, he faces serious allegations in a substantial bank fraud case. The pursuit of justice continues, further complicated by his potential move to Switzerland for medical reasons and the ongoing legal battles of his associate, Nirav Modi.

Original Source: indianexpress.com