The extradition case against fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi moved significantly closer to resolution after a Belgian appeals court recommended his return to India on six of seven charges stemming from a major banking fraud.
According to Antigua News Room, the Antwerp Court of Appeal issued the recommendation, advising the Belgian government to approve Choksi's extradition in connection with an alleged ₹13,000 crore fraud involving fraudulent banking instruments issued by Punjab National Bank.
Choksi, a former promoter of Gitanjali Gems, fled India in 2018 and has been the subject of extradition proceedings since. The court rejected his claims that he faced political persecution or a risk of torture upon return to India, finding no evidence to support either assertion. Indian authorities provided assurances to Belgian officials regarding appropriate detention conditions and access to medical care.
The final determination now rests with Belgium's Interior Ministry, which is expected to issue a ruling within weeks.
