New Delhi: The Belgian Government is closely monitoring the case of Indian Fugitive Entrepreneur Mehul Choksi, while the authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have confirmed that the Caribbean nation left for medical treatment But it is still an ancient citizen.
David Jordens, spokesman and head of social networks and press service in the foreign affairs of the Federal Public Service of Belgium (FPS), declared that the case is being handled with due attention. “I can confirm that the foreign affairs of the Federal Public Service (FPS) are aware of this case and gives it great importance and attention. However, we do not comment on individual cases. In addition, this case falls under the competence of the justice of the Federal Public Service,” he said.
Their comments indicate that, although the Belgian authorities are tracking developments, the jurisdiction on the matter falls mainly in the Department of Justice. Jordens also reaffirmed that FPS foreign affairs remain committed to the case, but did not reveal more details about Choksi’s location.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the EP Chet Greene, confirmed the state of Choksi, stating: “Mehul Choksi is not on the island, they told me that he left ancient for medical care abroad. He remains a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. His government and my government are working together in this matter. We have some traditions in democracy. We both respect the rule of Mé.
Choksi, searched in India for his alleged role in the 14,000 million Punjab Bank (PNB) rupee along with his nephew Nirav Modi, has been under legal scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions. Greene emphasized that India and Antigua and Barbuda continue to cooperate while guaranteeing compliance with legal procedures.
A media report by Associated Times, which covers the Caribbean region, recently said that Choksi has been living in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife, Preeti Choksi, after obtaining a residence card. The report also claimed that Choksi presented “false statements” and “counterfeit documents” to the Belgian authorities while requested residence, not revealing its Indian and ancient citizenships.
The report also suggested that the Indian authorities have asked Belgium to start Choksi’s extradition. However, there has been no official confirmation of Indian officials. Choksi supposedly plans to move to Switzerland to receive medical treatment in a cancer hospital, according to sources cited in the report.