Choksi, 65, had been residing in Belgium since November 2023, having obtained an “F residency card” through his wife, a Belgian citizen. His presence in the country was officially acknowledged by the Belgian Foreign Ministry, which stated it was aware of his location and the extradition request, emphasising that the case is being closely monitored.
The businessman, who fled India in January 2018 just before the PNB scam came to light, had previously taken citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. He cited medical reasons for his relocation to Belgium, with his legal team informing a Mumbai court that he was undergoing treatment for suspected cancer. This health claim has been a point of contention in legal proceedings, as Choksi's counsel argued against declaring him a fugitive economic offender on the grounds of his inability to travel due to health issues.
Despite these claims, Indian authorities have been persistent in their pursuit. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate have been coordinating with Belgian officials to facilitate Choksi's extradition. The process is expected to involve complex legal proceedings, given Choksi's foreign citizenship and the absence of a direct extradition treaty between India and Antigua and Barbuda.
Choksi's legal strategies have included filing a lawsuit in the United Kingdom against the Indian government and other individuals, alleging mental and physical trauma. This move is perceived as an attempt to delay extradition by invoking international legal mechanisms. Additionally, reports suggest that Choksi may have used fabricated documents to secure his residency in Belgium, which could further complicate his legal standing.