CHOKSI ARRESTED IN BELGIUM AMID INDIA’S EXTRADITION EFFORTS

UPSC Relevance

GS-2: Governance & International Relations – Extradition agreements, Interpol Red Notice, India-Belgium ties

GS-3: Internal Security – Financial crimes, bank fraud

GS-4: Ethics – Accountability, Fugitive Economic Offenders

Key Highlights

Arrest and Context

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, was apprehended in Belgium on April 12, 2025, as India intensified extradition efforts. He is accused in the ₹13,578 crore PNB fraud case alongside his nephew, Nirav Modi. Choksi fled India in January 2018, just before the scam surfaced.

Past Events and Legal Challenges

In 2021, Choksi was held in Dominica, alleging he was kidnapped. The Interpol Red Notice against him was lifted in March 2023, hindering extradition efforts.

Present Situation

Now an Antiguan citizen, Choksi reportedly relocated to Belgium for cancer treatment. The CBI has pursued extradition since 2018, facing delays due to his citizenship and legal intricacies.

Significance

Global cooperation: Demonstrates the importance of international law in addressing cross-border financial criminals.

Extradition diplomacy: Reflects India’s determination to pursue prominent fugitives through legal and diplomatic channels.

Public trust: Essential for reinforcing accountability in major financial frauds and economic crimes.

Analysis & Way Forward

1. India should enhance bilateral extradition treaties and work closely with global bodies like Interpol.
2. Enforcement agencies need better coordination with foreign partners and must address legal gaps, such as citizenship protections.

Laws like the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act should be leveraged for asset recovery and seizure.