Choksi’s case mirrors other high-profile extradition battles involving Indian fugitives.

Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond trader wanted in India for his role in a Rs 13,850 crore bank fraud, has been arrested in Belgium and is now preparing a legal defense to avoid extradition. His lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, announced on Monday that a formal appeal will be submitted seeking Choksi’s release from custody due to serious health issues.

Aggarwal confirmed that Choksi, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer, is not in a position to remain behind bars and will argue for release based on humanitarian grounds.

“Choksi is in custody, and we are initiating the appeal process. The core argument will be his medical condition, including ongoing cancer therapy, and the fact that he is not a flight risk,” Aggarwal said.

The businessman left India in January 2018 and has since evaded extradition attempts. He was previously involved in a legal standoff in Dominica and had been residing in Antigua under medical care until his recent trip to Belgium for further treatment.

According to Aggarwal, the arrest is a procedural step in the extradition process. “Before any court considers extradition, the individual must be arrested. Then, the legal team has to demonstrate ties to the community, health issues, and that the individual won’t abscond. That’s our approach,” he explained.

Choksi’s case mirrors other high-profile extradition battles involving Indian fugitives. Hariprasad SV, the whistleblower in the Punjab National Bank fraud, warned that Choksi’s return may not happen anytime soon.

“His legal team in Europe will likely delay proceedings as much as possible. He has the financial muscle and international legal support to do so. Just look at what happened in Dominica,” Hariprasad said.

He also highlighted that Choksi defrauded dozens of businesses across India, adding complexity to the legal maze India faces in bringing him back.