Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, has been arrested.
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00:00Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, co-accused in India's largest banking fraud, has been
00:05arrested in Belgium.
00:06This sparks a significant development in the Rs 13,850 crore Punjab national bank scam
00:12that has gripped the nation since 2018.
00:15Choksi was reportedly detained at a hospital in Belgium, where his lawyers say he is undergoing
00:19treatment for blood cancer.
00:21Sources suggest that Belgian authorities acted on extradition requests from the CBI and Enforcement
00:27Directorate.
00:28The former head of Gitanjali Gems faces several serious charges in India, including criminal
00:33conspiracy and cheating for deceiving Punjab national bank, money laundering for funerling
00:37illicit wealth and corruption.
00:39The PNB scam came to light in January 2018, when the bank reported fraudulent transactions
00:45worth $1.8 billion involving Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi.
00:51By February 2018, both had fled India, evading authorities.
00:55In March 2019, Nirav Modi was arrested in London and is awaiting extradition.
00:59After years on the run, Mehul Choksi was finally detained in Belgium in April 2025 while allegedly
01:05receiving medical treatment.
01:06Choksi's arrest in Belgium paves the way for extradition as Indian authorities push for
01:11his return.
01:13Choksi has previously contested extradition, citing health issues, his Antiguan citizenship
01:18and now his Belgian residency permit.
01:21It's unbelievable how he got caught in Belgium.
01:25So, it's very important now to not only get him back to India, but also it's most important
01:31is to get back the money he looted.
01:33Ultimately, that is what India needs apart from getting Mehul Choksi back home.
01:38So, I hope the government of India has identified where he stashed away his money.
01:43Choksi's arrest in Belgium marks a significant achievement for the Indian government following
01:47the successful extradition of Tawur Rana, the 2611 Mumbai attacks conspirator.