Mehul Choksi, Accused In PNB ‘Fraud’, Arrested In Belgium On India’s Extradition Request: Reports

Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium, multiple reports said on Monday, April 14, citing official sources. Choksi, who is wanted in India in connection with the INR 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan “fraud” case, was taken into custody on Saturday, April 12. The arrest was made on an extradition request moved by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The 65-year-old diamond merchant left India on January 2, 2018. Following Choksi's arrest in Belgium, Indian authorities are making preparations for his extradition to India. His legal team, however, is expected to challenge the extradition request, citing his health condition, among other arguments.