NEW DELHI: The Belgian government is closely monitoring the case of fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, while authorities in Antigua & Barbuda have confirmed that he left the Caribbean nation for medical treatment but remains an Antiguan citizen.
David Jordens, Spokesperson and Head of Service for social media and press at Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, stated that the case is being handled with due attention. “I can confirm that the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs is aware of this case and attaches great importance and attention to it. However, we do not comment on individual cases. Furthermore, this case falls under the competence of the Federal Public Service Justice,” he said.
His remarks indicate that while Belgian authorities are tracking developments, jurisdiction over the matter primarily lies with the justice department. Jordens also reaffirmed that FPS Foreign Affairs remains engaged with the case but did not disclose further details regarding Choksi’s location.
Meanwhile, Antigua & Barbuda’s Foreign Minister, E.P. Chet Greene, confirmed Choksi’s status, stating, “Mehul Choksi is not on the island, I am told he left Antigua for medical attention abroad. He remains a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda. Your Government and my Government are working together on this matter. We have some traditions in democracy. We both respect the rule of law. Matter of Mehul Choksi has been subjected to legal review. Until such time it is reviewed and determined, there is nothing I can say, or any of us can say or do.”
Choksi, wanted in India for his alleged role in the Rs 14,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam along with his nephew Nirav Modi, has been under legal scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions. Greene emphasised that India and Antigua & Barbuda continue to cooperate while ensuring adherence to legal procedures.
A media report from Associated Times, which covers the Caribbean region, recently claimed that Choksi has been living in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife, Preeti Choksi, after obtaining a residency card. The report further alleged that Choksi submitted “false declarations” and “forged documents” to Belgian authorities while applying for residency, failing to disclose his Indian and Antiguan citizenships.
The report also suggested that Indian authorities have requested Belgium to initiate Choksi’s extradition. However, there has been no official confirmation from Indian officials. Choksi is allegedly planning to relocate to Switzerland for medical treatment at a cancer hospital, according to sources cited in the report.