Mehul Choksi discovered in Belgium; plans to move to Switzerland under a humanitarian shield: Report | World News

The escaped Diamantaire Mehul Choksi reportedly lives with his Preeti Choksi in Antwerp, Belgium. According to the Colleague Times, his wife is a Belgian citizen and Indian authorities are aware of his whereabouts. The report claims that Indian authorities remain in touch with Belgian agencies to repatriate Choksi.

Mehul Choksi, a 65-year-old fugitive businessman, currently lives in Belgium after receiving the “F Residence Card” on November 15, 2023. The report shows that he obtained this status with the assistance of his Belgian national wife. This residence permit allows non-EU nationals to remain in Belgium legally and can be accompanied or joined with their spouse under certain conditions. The report claims Choksi allegedly obtained the right of residence in Belgium using a forged paper.

The report suggests that Mehul Choksi may be considering moving to Switzerland for medical treatment at Hirslanden Klinik Aarau, a cancer hospital. He appears to be exploring the possibility of humanitarian reasons as a reason to avoid extradition from India.

Choksi fled India in January 2018 after the fraud case was revealed in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). Choksi faces charges from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Bureau of Enforcement (ED). He had earlier fled to Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean, where he had citizenship. However, he later went abroad to receive medical treatment while retaining his Antigua citizenship. On March 19, Foreign Minister Ep Chet Greene of Antigua and Barbuda confirmed the development to the news agency ANI.

In December 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Parliament that assets worth Rs 22,280 crore had been recovered or sold to repay the debts of fugitives, including Choksi.