Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium: Timeline of the ₹13,850 Crore PNB Scam:

Mehul Choksi, a diamond trader embroiled in one of India’s largest banking scams, was arrested in Belgium on April 12, 2025. His arrest was triggered by a renewed extradition request from India’s enforcement agencies. This move is said to have made him an important player in the leveling of accusations against him worth ₹13,850 crore in fraud in Punjab National Bank.

History of Events

2014-2017:

At the height of the PNB scam, Choksi, the Gitanjali Group owner, was utilizing various foreign institutions to gain funding by merging with select PNB officials and forging LOUs and FLCs. Since the internal processes of the bank were not followed, PNB suffered losses of ₹6,098 crore which would form a larger looming threat posed by a duo along with Choksi’s nephew, Nirav Modi.

2017:

In response to the growing scrutiny, and amidst the ongoing legal fire, Choksi sought an Antiguan barbadian passport. Antiguan citizenship serves as a powerful shield shielding individuals from prosecution in critical jurisdictions for legal abiding citizens.

January 2018:

Shortly before the scam was publicized, Choksi boarded a flight to the United States, before landing in Antigua. This was exactly two days following the upcoming headline set on January 2. Subsequently, Indian criminal investigations and charges pursued him and several other parties proactively involved in the case.

2019:

Nirav Modi was arrested in the United Kingdom in May. He is still fighting extradition, but all of his remaining legal appeals have been exhausted so far and he is still in custody waiting to be transferred to India.

2021:

Choksi was detained in Dominica under contentious circumstances, purportedly trying to escape to Cuba. His lawyers alleged that they abducted him and brought him to the country against his will. Dominica rejected India’s extradition request and sent him back to Antigua instead.

March 2023:

India’s attempts to get Choski back became even more difficult after Interpol lifted the red notice they previously issued. They cited violation of his rights relating to fair trial, freedom from political meddling, and other more complex issues.

2024:

Choksi’s legal team disclosed that he had been diagnosed with blood cancer. He went to Belgium for treatment, where both he and his wife, a Belgian citizen, obtained legal residency.

April 2025:

Indian authorities put in another extradition request and Choksi was detained in a hospital in Antwerp on April 12. His lawyers intend to contest the extradition on medical treatment needs, arguing that he needs ongoing care after surgery.

Current Legal Status

Choksi is currently detained in Belgium. His lawyers are planning on arguing against the extradition on the basis of grave health complications. Indian officials claim that India has the appropriate medical resources. They are still trying to bring him back to India to stand trial.