Absconding diamond merchant Mehul Choksi nabbed in Dominica
Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam prime accused and fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi has been nabbed in Dominica. The Antigua media claimed in its report that the 62-year-old was on the run from Cuba to Dominica, during which he was caught by the CID. According to sources, he had reached Dominica via boat from Antigua and Barbuda.
Choksi went missing from Antigua and Barbuda 3 days ago. After this, Interpol issued a yellow notice against him. Later this notice was also retained by the Government of Antigua. After this, his search was intensified.
Local media reports from Dominica said that he was caught on Tuesday night. However, he has been arrested or detained for questioning, it has not yet been cleared. The Dominica Police will now hand over him to the Antigua and Barbuda administration as part of the legal process.
PM of Antigua said – be handed over directly to India
At the same time, Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne told the news agency – we have asked the Dominica government to take him (Mehul Choksi) into custody. He has entered the country illegally. He should be directly handed over to India. However, the Government of Dominica has decided to hand over Choksi to the Government of Antigua. After this, the Prime Minister of Antigua said that now we will hand over the accused directly to India.
A day ago it was reported that Mehul Choksi had gone missing from Antigua-Barbuda. According to the media there, the police was searching for him since Sunday. The 62 year old was last seen in his car at 5.15 pm on Sunday evening. His car was found, but he could not be found. The police had also told his lawyer about this, but he too did not respond to it.
Choksi took Antigua-Barbuda citizenship in 2017
Mehul Choksi accused of the Rs 14,500 crore PNB scam had fled abroad in January 2018. It was later revealed that he had taken Antigua-Barbuda citizenship in 2017. PNB is investigating the scam, agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are trying to extradite him since.
He has refused to appear in India citing ill health. Sometimes he is produced through video conferencing. Many of his properties in India have also been confiscated.
