Antwerp Court Paves Way for Mehul Choksi's Extradition to India

The Antwerp Court of Appeal has decisively ruled against fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, finding him eligible for extradition to India. The court's judgment noted that the offenses attributed to Choksi, who is implicated in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, align with extraditable crimes under the legal frameworks of both India and Belgium.

The court meticulously outlined that Choksi's alleged conduct, involving criminal organization, swindling, embezzlement, and forgery, is punishable under Belgian laws, satisfying the principle of dual criminality crucial for extradition. However, it excluded one charge relating to evidence disappearance, as it is not recognized under Belgian law.

Rejecting claims of political motivation and human rights violations, the judgment affirmed that Choksi would face trial for non-political crimes upon extradition. It further dismissed Choksi's kidnapping accusations, finding insufficient evidence to substantiate them. The court confirmed India's assurances for Choksi's detention conditions, concluding there is no risk of unfair treatment or ill-treatment upon his return.