The Belgian government has confirmed its awareness of the presence of fugitive Indian diamond trader Mehul Choksi in the country, stressing that it is treating the case with “great importance and attention.”
David Jordens, spokesperson and head of social media and press at Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, was asked about Choksi’s potential location in Belgium. He responded, “I can confirm that the FPS Foreign Affairs is aware of this case and is giving it significant attention. However, we do not comment on individual cases. Moreover, this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the FPS Justice.”
While the Belgian government is closely monitoring the situation, the matter is primarily under the responsibility of the justice department.
Jordens further assured that FPS Foreign Affairs is actively tracking the developments related to Choksi’s case, but did not disclose any details about the whereabouts of one of India’s most wanted fugitives.
Earlier, Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign minister, EP Chet Greene, had clarified that Choksi had left the island for medical treatment abroad but still holds citizenship there. Greene told ANI, “Mehul Choksi is not on the island. I’ve been informed that he left Antigua for medical care abroad. He remains a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. Both our governments are collaborating on this matter, and we respect the rule of law in our democratic traditions.”
Mehul Choksi is facing charges in India for his alleged involvement in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud, alongside his nephew Nirav Modi.
Nirav Modi is presently incarcerated in a London jail, where he is contesting his extradition to India after several bail requests were denied in court.
