Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi Allegedly Residing in Belgium…

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi reportedly resides in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife, Preeti Choksi. Indian authorities have requested his extradition related to a ₹13,500-crore bank loan fraud case. He allegedly provided false documents for residency, and his situation is under scrutiny as legal proceedings are underway both in India and Belgium.

Recent reports suggest that fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is currently residing in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife, Preeti Choksi. It has been alleged that he acquired a ‘residency card’ in Belgium. Following this revelation, Indian authorities have formally requested that Belgium initiate Choksi’s extradition back to India, according to the Associated Times, a Caribbean-focused media outlet. However, Indian officials have not confirmed these reports as of yet.

Mehul Choksi, the owner of Gitanjali Group, is wanted for his involvement in a comprehensive ₹13,500-crore bank loan fraud. He, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is implicated in the notorious Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam which involved over ₹14,000 crore in fraudulent transactions. Both individuals, along with family members and certain bank officials, were charged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2018 for their roles in this financial misconduct.

Choksi fled India in January 2018. Prior to his alleged relocation to Belgium, he was thought to be living in Antigua and Barbuda. Reports indicate that Choksi has secured a ‘F Residency Card’ by submitting allegedly falsified and fabricated documentation to Belgian authorities, purportedly in an attempt to avoid extradition. Allegations suggest he provided misleading information regarding his nationality and omitted critical details about his citizenship status during his application process.

Furthermore, Choksi’s claim of residing in Belgium for medical treatment at a cancer hospital has been called into question by various sources. Alongside his nephew, who currently faces extradition proceedings in London, Choksi is accused of misappropriating ₹13,500 crore of public funds from the PNB through fraudulent letters of undertaking. The conclusion of this situation remains pending as legal processes unfold, with Choksi’s whereabouts and actions warranting close scrutiny.

In summary, Mehul Choksi’s reported residency in Belgium is currently under scrutiny by Indian authorities who are seeking his extradition in connection with a significant bank fraud case. Allegations of falsified residency documentation add complexity to his situation, highlighting ongoing international legal challenges. The outcomes of these requests remain uncertain as Choksi’s legal standing in Belgium develops.

Original Source: www.livemint.com