Belgian Court Approves Extradition of Fugitive Diamond Trader Mehul Choksi to India: Complete Case Details

Choksi was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11 and has remained incarcerated for four months.

A Belgian court in Antwerp on Friday approved the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India, according to sources. The court ruled that Choksi's arrest by Belgian authorities, made following India's request, was lawful.

Choksi retains the right to challenge this decision before the Belgian Supreme Court within a 15-day timeframe.

The court proceedings included arguments from both parties - Belgian prosecutors representing India's case and Choksi's defense team.

The diamond trader was apprehended by Antwerp police on April 11 and has been detained for the past four months. Belgian courts have consistently rejected his multiple applications for bail.

India has filed charges against the 66-year-old businessman including fraud, conspiracy, evidence destruction, and corruption under IPC Sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, and 477A, along with Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These offenses are also punishable under Belgian law, satisfying the dual criminality requirement.

To strengthen its case, India referenced international agreements including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). CBI officials made three visits to Belgium to present evidence and engaged a European private law firm for assistance.

India has assured Belgian authorities that upon extradition, Choksi would be housed in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, with accommodations meeting European standards, including clean water, food, newspapers, television access, and visits from a private doctor. He would not be subjected to solitary confinement.

The prison department also guaranteed "high-level security" in his cell, equipped with a clean, thick cotton mat, pillow, bed sheet, and blanket. The cell would receive daily cleaning, with provisions for fresh drinking water, outdoor exercise, rest areas, board games such as chess and carrom, and badminton.

India maintains that Choksi remains an Indian citizen, disputing his claim to Antiguian citizenship. During court proceedings, Choksi stated he renounced his Indian citizenship on December 14, 2018, after acquiring Antiguian citizenship on November 16, 2017.

India presented evidence regarding bank frauds worth Rs 13,000 crore allegedly committed between 2018 and 2022. The court acknowledged Choksi represented a genuine flight risk, justifying his arrest.

The CBI located Choksi in Belgium in July 2024 and formally submitted an extradition request.