The Antwerp Court of Appeal in Belgium ruled in favor of extraditing fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India, rejecting his claims of political persecution and unfair trial. Choksi, arrested in Antwerp on April 11, 2025, faces charges related to the alleged ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
The court found that the offenses cited by Indian authorities—criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and corruption—are punishable under both Indian and Belgian law, satisfying the principle of dual criminality required for extradition.
However, it excluded one charge, “causing the disappearance of evidence,” as it is not recognized under Belgian law.
Choksi had argued that his extradition would violate his right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, citing concerns about the independence of the Indian judiciary and the conditions in Indian prisons.
The court dismissed these claims, stating that he did not provide substantial evidence to support them. It also rejected his assertion that he was the subject of a political trial.
The court further noted that the alleged crimes occurred between December 31, 2016, and January 1, 2019, and that the statute of limitations had not expired in either India or Belgium.
It also found no evidence to support Choksi’s claim that the extradition request was politically motivated or that he would face mistreatment upon return to India.
Choksi has 15 days to appeal the decision to the Belgian Supreme Court. If the ruling stands, it will mark a significant step in India’s efforts to bring him to trial for his alleged role in the PNB fraud case. The Indian government has assured Belgian authorities that Choksi will be held under judicial supervision and provided adequate medical care upon extradition.
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