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Choksi’s Cancer Claim and Political Bias Argument May Slow Down India’s ₹13,000 Cr Extradition Effort
Indian investigative agencies are moving quickly after Mehul Choksi's arrest in Antwerp, Belgium. Senior officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are preparing to travel to Belgium to speed up the extradition process in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
Arrest and Treaty Provisions
Choksi was arrested on April 12, 2025, following a formal extradition request by Indian authorities. This move came under the long-standing extradition treaty between India and Belgium. The treaty covers major offences, including financial fraud, and requires that the crime be punishable under both countries' laws.
Joint Team to Coordinate with Belgium
A joint team of two to three officers from each agency, along with legal counsel, will coordinate with Belgian officials. Their goal is to complete documentation, submit case files, and push for an early extradition. However, the process could face delays as Choksi plans to challenge the request in court.
Legal Challenges from Choksi’s Team
His legal team has already filed an appeal, highlighting Choksi’s cancer treatment and claiming he is not a flight risk. His lawyer also argues the case is politically driven, which may become a hurdle under the treaty provisions.
Treaty Clauses Could Delay Extradition
The extradition treaty allows refusals in cases where the request seems politically motivated or where the accused faces unfair treatment. Choksi’s team plans to use these clauses to block his return.
India’s Continued Pursuit of Economic Offenders
Despite this, Indian authorities continue their strong pursuit. The CBI and ED have filed multiple charge sheets against Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, for orchestrating one of the country’s biggest banking scams. The alleged fraud was carried out through fake Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) issued without proper clearance or documentation.
Details of the PNB Fraud Case
Between March and April 2017, 165 LoUs and 58 FLCs were reportedly issued from PNB’s Brady House branch in Mumbai. These instruments allowed Choksi’s firms to secure credit overseas. Since his companies failed to repay the borrowed funds, PNB bore a loss of over ₹6,300 crore, including interest.
Fugitive Status and Parallel Case of Nirav Modi
Choksi left India in January 2018 and remains a fugitive. As a response, the ED has filed a plea under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act to confiscate his assets. Meanwhile, Nirav Modi is still in prison in London, challenging an extradition case that is very similar to his.
Belgium's Confirmation and Next Steps
Belgium authorities confirmed Choksi's arrest and, thereafter, acknowledged India's request. His return to India may take some time, even though legal procedures are going on, depending on the decision of the courts.
Importance and Implication of the Official Visit
This visit of the Indian officials gives realizable dimensions to the chase by economic offenders abroad. It would pave the way for further extradition in similar treaties if this effort becomes successful.