Belgium court approves Mehul Choksi’s extradition to India.
Officials stated that prosecutors argued Mehul Choksi remains a significant flight risk, emphasizing that releasing him from prison would be unsafe and could hinder the ongoing investigation, highlighting the seriousness of the case and the need for continued custody.
Belgium Court Rules in Favor of Extraditing Mehul Choksi in PNB Fraud Case
In a significant development for India’s ongoing pursuit of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, the Court of Appeals in Antwerp, Belgium, issued a preliminary judgment on Friday, October 17, 2025, rejecting Choksi’s appeal against his extradition in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. This ruling marks a milestone in the high-profile case, which has captured international attention due to the scale of the alleged financial fraud and Choksi’s years-long evasion of Indian authorities.
According to sources within the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the preliminary judgment represents India’s first success in the ongoing extradition proceedings in Belgium. While the decision does not yet finalize the extradition, it significantly strengthens India’s legal position, signaling progress in efforts to bring Choksi back to face trial in India.
The PNB fraud case, in which Choksi is accused of orchestrating a multi-thousand-crore scam, has been one of India’s most closely watched financial crime investigations. The CBI has maintained that Choksi, who holds citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, used complex banking and shell company arrangements to defraud the state-owned bank. His flight from India shortly after the scandal came to light in 2018 set off a prolonged international pursuit, involving multiple jurisdictions and diplomatic channels.
CBI officials emphasized that the court’s decision to reject Choksi’s appeal underscores the gravity of the allegations against him and the credibility of India’s legal case. It shows that our arguments in court were persuasive and that the judicial system in Belgium recognizes the seriousness of the PNB fraud case,” said a CBI source.
While the Antwerp court’s ruling clears a major hurdle, the proceedings are far from over. Choksi now has the right to appeal against the decision before the Belgian Supreme Court within the next 15 days. Legal experts suggest that while this next step could temporarily delay the extradition process, the preliminary judgment sets a strong precedent and could influence the final outcome in India’s favor.
Officials involved in the case highlighted that Choksi remains a significant flight risk, and as such, he has continued to remain in custody during the ongoing legal proceedings. Prosecutors argued that releasing him from prison could jeopardize the investigation and allow him to evade justice once again. This point formed a key part of India’s argument for extradition, stressing both the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the risk of absconding if Choksi were granted freedom during the process.
The CBI has been working closely with Belgian authorities, providing extensive documentation, evidence, and legal briefs to ensure that the extradition request is well-supported. The Antwerp court’s preliminary ruling reflects careful consideration of this material and a recognition that the legal criteria for extradition have been largely met.
For India, the ruling carries both symbolic and practical significance. Symbolically, it sends a clear message that the country is committed to pursuing justice for financial crimes, even when the accused has fled abroad. Practically, a successful extradition would allow Indian authorities to interrogate Choksi directly, gather additional evidence, and proceed toward prosecution in India’s courts.
Legal analysts note that international extradition cases of this nature are often complex and time-consuming, involving careful balancing of the rights of the accused with the legal and diplomatic obligations of the countries involved. Choksi’s appeals and potential challenges before the Belgian Supreme Court are expected to be closely monitored by both legal observers and the media, given the high-profile nature of the case.
The businessman’s network of legal and political connections, along with his dual citizenship, adds additional layers of complexity to the proceedings. Despite these challenges, India’s legal teams have remained steadfast in their efforts, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the principle that individuals accused of large-scale financial crimes cannot evade justice indefinitely.
As the extradition process moves forward, all eyes will now be on the next steps in Belgium’s judicial system. The preliminary ruling provides momentum for India but also signals that the path to final extradition will require continued vigilance, patience, and legal strategy.
Meanwhile, in India, public and media interest in the case remains high, with many viewing the Antwerp court’s ruling as a positive sign that Choksi’s long-standing evasion of justice may soon come to an end. Observers suggest that, should the Belgian Supreme Court uphold the Antwerp court’s decision, Choksi’s return to India could be imminent, allowing the CBI and Indian judiciary to finally advance the PNB fraud case to its next stages.
For now, the focus remains on the legal process in Belgium, as both the CBI and Choksi’s legal team prepare for the possibility of a Supreme Court appeal. The developments mark a turning point in a saga that has spanned several years, multiple countries, and extensive legal battles, bringing India closer to achieving accountability in one of its most high-profile financial fraud cases.