Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi Resides in Belgium Amid Extradition Requests

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is reportedly residing in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife after obtaining a residency card. He is wanted in India for a ₹13,500 crore bank fraud case. Indian authorities seek his extradition, but he allegedly used forged documents to attain residency. Reports indicate he plans to move to Switzerland for medical treatment.

Businessman Mehul Choksi is reported to be residing in Antwerp, Belgium, along with his wife, Preeti Choksi. He has secured a ‘residency card’ in Belgium, as per a report from Associated Times, a media outlet focused on the Caribbean. Although Indian authorities have sought his extradition, there has been no immediate confirmation from them regarding the status of his case.

Choksi, who is wanted in connection with a ₹13,500 crore bank loan fraud involving Punjab National Bank, was previously believed to live in Antigua and Barbuda before relocating to Belgium. His wife, Preeti, is recognized as a Belgian citizen, which may have facilitated his move to the country.

The report alleges that Choksi provided false and fabricated documentation to attain his residency in Belgium to evade extradition. He reportedly submitted fraudulent declarations, misrepresenting his nationality while omitting details about his citizenship in India and Antigua.

Additionally, Choksi is allegedly planning to travel to Switzerland for treatment at a prestigious cancer hospital. He, alongside his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of embezzling ₹13,500 crores from the state-run Punjab National Bank using deceptive financial practices. While Modi remains in custody in London contesting charges, Choksi was previously reported missing from Antigua in May 2021 but was later located.

In conclusion, Mehul Choksi’s status in Antwerp, Belgium raises significant legal questions as he faces extradition requests from India for serious financial crimes. His alleged use of fabricated documentation to obtain residency highlights potential legal loopholes while his future plans suggest ongoing evasion strategies. The continued legal battles faced by Choksi and his associates illustrate the complexities involved in international financial fraud cases.

Original Source: indianexpress.com