Antwerp, April 13, 2025 – Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond tycoon at the heart of India’s massive ₹13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, was arrested in Belgium this weekend, sending shockwaves through India and beyond. Once a glittering name in the jewelry world, Choksi’s life on the run has taken another wild turn, and people are buzzing with questions about what’s next for the man who allegedly pulled off one of India’s biggest banking heists alongside his nephew, Nirav Modi.
Mehul Choksi News
Imagine living a quiet life in Antwerp’s diamond district, only to be swept up by police on a chilly Saturday morning. That’s exactly what happened to Choksi, who had been hiding out in Belgium with his wife, Preeti, under a residency card that’s now raising eyebrows. Indian investigators, hot on his trail for years, are calling this a major win. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been working tirelessly to drag him back to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering that rocked the nation in 2018.
Mehul Choksi Case
The PNB scam is the kind of story that feels like a Bollywood thriller. Back in 2018, Choksi and Modi were accused of sweet-talking bank officials into issuing fake Letters of Undertaking, siphoning off billions from PNB. When the scam broke, Choksi was already gone—having slipped out of India weeks earlier. He popped up in Antigua with a new passport, claiming citizenship there, and even got detained in Dominica in 2021 amid rumors he was trying to bolt to Cuba. India’s been fighting to get him back ever since, seizing ₹2,566 crore of his assets, from Mumbai penthouses to diamond-encrusted jewels, to make up for the damage.
Mehul Choksi Lawyer
Choksi’s not going down without a fight. His legal team is scrambling, arguing he’s too sick to be extradited—cancer treatment, they say, has him stuck in Belgium until at least August 2025. They’ve been firing back at India’s “fugitive” label, pointing to his revoked passport and health woes. Just last month, his lawyer was in a Mumbai court, waving medical reports to buy time. Now, with his arrest, they’re gearing up for a bail battle that’s sure to keep headlines buzzing.
Mehul Choksi Company
Gitanjali Gems was Choksi’s pride and joy—a jewelry empire that sparkled with brands like Gili and Nakshatra, raking in $2.5 billion a year at its peak. But when the scam hit, it all came crashing down. The ED has been dismantling what’s left, seizing ₹598 crore worth of gems and planning auctions to repay victims. For customers who once adored Gitanjali’s designs, it’s a bitter reminder of how fast fortunes can fall.
Mehul Choksi Wife
Preeti Choksi, a Belgian citizen, has been by her husband’s side through this saga, living with him in Antwerp’s tight-knit community. Her citizenship has made things tricky for India, as Belgium weighs whether to send Choksi back. Preeti’s not just a bystander—she’s been named in ED chargesheets, accused of playing a role in the financial mess, which adds another twist to this family drama.
Mehul Choksi Daughter
Choksi’s daughter has stayed out of the spotlight, with little news tying her to the case. For now, the focus is squarely on her parents and their next moves.
Mehul Choksi Net Worth
Once a billionaire living the high life, Choksi’s wealth has taken a beating. Indian authorities have clawed back ₹2,566 crore in assets, with another ₹80 crore traced overseas. What’s left of his fortune? Nobody’s quite sure, but it’s a far cry from his diamond-studded days.
Mehul Choksi Brands
Gili, Nakshatra, Asmi—these names once lit up India’s jewelry stores, synonymous with glamour and trust. Now, they’re relics of a tainted legacy, their assets being sold off to settle debts. It’s a stark fall for brands that once adorned countless celebrations.
As Choksi sits in a Belgian cell, India’s holding its breath. Will he finally face justice, or will his lawyers pull another rabbit out of the hat? For now, the saga of Mehul Choksi—part thriller, part tragedy—shows no signs of slowing down.
FAQs
Is Choksi a Jain?
There’s no clear word on whether Choksi is Jain—his personal beliefs haven’t made it to the headlines.
Where is Choksi?
He’s locked up in Belgium, nabbed in Antwerp on April 12, 2025, after living there quietly.
Who was the brand ambassador of Mehul Choksi?
Gitanjali’s brands, like Nakshatra, had stars like Katrina Kaif, but no one was Choksi’s personal face.
What is Mehul Choksi doing now?
He’s in custody, fighting extradition while his lawyers push for bail, citing his health.
How did Mehul Choksi leave India?
He slipped out on January 4, 2018, claiming medical reasons, just before the PNB scam exploded.
