Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, wanted in India for his alleged involvement in the ₹13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request by Indian authorities. The development comes weeks after media reports revealed that Choksi had relocated to Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, a Belgian citizen, and was living there after securing a residency card.

According to the Associated Times, which covers the Caribbean region, the arrest took place on Saturday. The report further stated that India had formally requested Belgium to initiate Choksi's extradition earlier this year. Choksi, the founder of Gitanjali Gems, had previously taken refuge in Antigua and Barbuda before allegedly submitting forged documents to acquire residency status in Belgium.

The Associated Times noted that Choksi obtained an 'F Residency Card' from Belgian authorities on November 15, 2023. However, it has since come to light that the fugitive jeweller provided “misleading and fabricated documents, including false declarations and forged papers,” in his bid to avoid extradition and continue staying in Europe.

The arrest marks a major step forward in India’s pursuit of high-profile economic offenders. Choksi, a key accused in one of India's biggest banking scams, had been evading Indian law enforcement since 2018. His arrest in Belgium is expected to speed up the legal process for his return to India, where he faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.