Belgian Court Recommends Government Approve Mehul Choksi’s Extradition
Court finds six of seven charges against fugitive diamantaire align with Belgian law, while one count is excluded
Mumbai, Apr 08 ; The Antwerp Court of Appeal has advised the Belgian government to proceed with the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi to India on six out of seven alleged charges, according to officials. The recommendation, issued on April 3 by the court’s ‘kamer van inbeschuldiging’ (chamber of accusation), confirms that the crimes criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery or fraud, falsification of accounts, embezzlement, and abuse of official position are punishable under Belgian law, satisfying the principle of reciprocity.
However, the court gave negative advice on the charge of “tampering or destroying evidence,” noting that it is not recognized as a crime under Belgian legislation, said Ken Witpas, Advocaat Generaal in Antwerp.
Following Belgian legal procedure, the confidential advice has been sent to the government, which will now decide on India’s extradition request. The court noted that there is currently no direct evidence linking the Indian government to Choksi’s alleged abduction from Antigua and Barbuda in 2021. If any new facts emerge from ongoing investigations in Antigua or the UK, the risk of ill-treatment could not be ruled out, the court added.
The ruling emphasized that the legal framework between Belgium and India provides a basis for extradition. The court also clarified that the charge excluded from extradition does not limit prosecution for the other offenses, which are neither political nor fiscal crimes, nor restricted by statutory limitations.
Choksi, 66, has argued that he faces potential risks of unfair trial or inhumane treatment in India. However, the court found these claims unsubstantiated. India has provided assurances regarding Choksi’s safety, medical care, prison conditions, and fair trial procedures.
In December 2025, Belgium’s Court of Cassation had dismissed Choksi’s earlier appeal challenging his extradition, which relates to a Rs 13,000 crore alleged Punjab National Bank fraud case. India first sent the extradition request in August 2024, based on arrest warrants issued by a special Mumbai court.
The Antwerp Court of Appeal concluded that Choksi faces no credible threat of mistreatment or denial of justice if extradited, and dismissed his appeal against the district court’s earlier ruling.
