Big Setback For Mehul Choksi As Belgian Court Orders His Extradition To India

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is set to be extradited to India after a Belgian court ruled on Friday that his arrest by Belgian authorities, at India’s request, was valid. The court’s decision marks a major step forward for India in its efforts to bring Choksi back to face trial in the massive Punjab National Bank scam.

Officials familiar with the case said the court accepted the arguments made by Belgian prosecutors, who were supported by representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

While Choksi, 66, still has the option to appeal the ruling in a higher court, Indian authorities are calling the decision a strong validation of their case. As part of its extradition request, India assured Belgian authorities that, if extradited, Choksi would be held in Barrack No. 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, with no risk of solitary confinement or overcrowding.