Belgium’s highest court has rejected fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s final appeal against extradition to India. The Belgian Court of Cassation heard the plea on Tuesday in Brussels and ruled in India’s favor. Moreover, this decision removes the last major legal obstacle preventing Mehul Choksi from being sent back to India to face fraud charges worth nearly ₹13,000 crore.
The 65-year-old businessman has been held in an Antwerp prison since his arrest on April 11, 2025, following India’s extradition request. Furthermore, Belgian authorities arrested him after tracking his location in the country.
Court Decision Details
Henri Vanderlinden, advocate general at Brussels, confirmed the ruling in an email. He stated, “The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal. So, the decision of the Court of Appeal stands.”
Consequently, this upholds the October 17 decision by the Antwerp Court of Appeals, which had already approved the extradition. Therefore, Belgian authorities can now begin the formal extradition process.
Fraud Charges Against Choksi
Indian investigators have accused Choksi of six bank frauds between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, these cases involve the Punjab National Bank (PNB) and are considered major financial crimes.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fraud Amount | Nearly ₹13,000 crore |
| Number of Cases | Six bank frauds |
| Period | 2018 to 2022 |
| Arrest Date in Belgium | April 11, 2025 |
| Age | 65 years |
| Current Location | Prison in Antwerp, Belgium |
Legal Sections Applied
India seeks extradition under multiple sections of Indian law. Moreover, these crimes exist in Belgian law as well, satisfying the dual criminality requirement.
Charges Include:
- Section 120B: Criminal conspiracy
- Section 201: Destruction of evidence
- Section 409: Criminal breach of trust
- Section 420: Cheating and fraud
- Section 477A: Falsification of accounts
- Sections 7 and 13: Bribery under Prevention of Corruption Act
Choksi’s Failed Arguments
Choksi made several claims to avoid extradition. However, the Belgian court rejected all his arguments.
Big win for Modi Govt, Belgium’s Top court has REJECTED the appeal of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi challenging his extradition to India in connection with the Rs 13000 crore PNB fraud case. pic.twitter.com/jMsr5RD0Tk
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 9, 2025
First, he claimed he would face torture in India. Nevertheless, the court found no evidence supporting this fear. Second, he argued he was abducted in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2021 at India’s request. However, the court said the documents he provided were “inconclusive and very cautious.”
Additionally, Choksi claimed he faced a “political trial” in India. The court dismissed this argument as well, stating he would receive a fair trial.
India’s Assurances to Belgium
The Indian government provided strong guarantees about Choksi’s treatment. Furthermore, these assurances helped convince Belgian authorities about fair treatment.
India Promised:
- Housing at Barrack No. 12, Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai
- Facilities meeting European torture prevention standards
- Clean drinking water and adequate food
- Access to newspapers and television
- Choice of private doctor for treatment
- No solitary confinement
Timeline of Events
Belgium sent the formal extradition request on August 27, 2024. Subsequently, authorities arrested Choksi in April 2025. Then, the Antwerp Court of Appeals approved extradition on October 17. Finally, Choksi appealed to Belgium’s highest court on October 30, which rejected his plea on Tuesday.
Belgian authorities will now complete procedural formalities for extradition. Meanwhile, Indian agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), prepare to prosecute Mehul Choksi under Indian law once he returns.
