PNB fraud: India sends documents seeking Mehul Choksi’s arrest to Antigua government

Choksi fled the country on January 4, 2018 and went to Carribbean nation Antigua and took its citizenship.

New Delhi: Punjab National Bank scam accused Mehul Choksi is likely to face arrest in Antigua, as India has sent several documents supporting case against the diamantaire. The Indian government has sought Choksi’s arrest and his extradition. Choksi fled the country on January 4, 2018 and went to Carribbean nation Antigua and took its citizenship. Official sources said a team comprising officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and other agencies was sent to Antigua a couple of days ago to request the Antiguan authorities to extradite Choksi, wanted in India in the USD 2 billion Punjab National bank scam. "The team met the Foreign Ministry officials of the Caribbean nation yesterday and handed over the request to extradite Choksi to India," an official source said. The team, led by Additional Secretary in the MEA's Consular and Passport Division here, also presented details of the case against Choksi who is one of the alleged masterminds of the scam along with his nephew Nirav Modi. As per reports, Antiguan authorities cleared Choksi's citizenship in November 2017 after India did not give any adverse report to stall his application for it. Choksi took oath of allegiance in Antigua on January 15. His citizenship was cleared in November 2017. Choksi's application for citizenship in Antigua in May 2017 was accompanied with clearance from the local police as required by norms, Antiguan newspaper the Daily Observer reported, citing a statement from the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Antigua and Barbuda (CIU).