Mehul Choksi challenges extradition to India in Belgium's Supreme Court
What's the story
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has challenged his extradition to India at the Supreme Court of Belgium. The challenge comes after the Antwerp Court of Appeals declared India's extradition request "enforceable" on October 17. Choksi filed an appeal in the Court of Cassation, Belgium's highest court, on October 30. "This appeal is strictly limited to legal merits and will be judged by the Court of Cassation. During this procedure, the execution of the extradition is suspended," Advocate General Ken Witpas said.
Extradition endorsement
Antwerp court had earlier upheld arrest warrants' enforceability
The Antwerp Court of Appeals had earlier upheld the enforceability of arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021. The court found "no risk" of Choksi being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment in India. It also dismissed his claims that he faces a "genuine risk" of torture or denial of justice if extradited.
Extradition request
India sent extradition request to Belgium last year
India had sent an extradition request to Belgium on August 27, 2024, based on the arrest warrants issued by the special court in Mumbai. The public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Antwerp initiated action for the enforcement of these warrants on November 25, 2024. In its order dated November 29, 2024, the Antwerp District Court declared the warrants enforceable, except for one related to "causing the disappearance of evidence of the crime."
Scam details
Choksi is accused of defrauding PNB bank
Choksi is the main accused in a ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged he siphoned off ₹6,400 crore. He fled to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018 days before the scam was detected, and was later spotted in Belgium seeking treatment. India has given Belgium a number of assurances on Choksi's safety, the charges that he will face during his trial in India, prison arrangements, human rights, and medical needs.