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| Mehul Choksi | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mehul Choksi |
| Birth date | 1959 |
| Birth place | Surat, Gujarat, India |
| Nationality | Indian / Antigua and Barbuda (naturalized) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Former chairmanship of Gitanjali Group, involvement in Punjab National Bank fraud case |
Mehul Choksi is an Indian-born businessman and diamond merchant who became a naturalized citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. He gained prominence as chairman of the Gitanjali Group and later became a central figure in a high-profile financial scandal involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB), prompting cross-border legal disputes and diplomatic tensions among India, Antigua and Barbuda, and other jurisdictions. His case has intersected with institutions such as the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, and courts in multiple countries.
Born in Surat, Gujarat, in 1959, he belonged to a family engaged in the diamond industry centered in Surat district. He was associated with regional trade networks connecting Antwerp and Hong Kong through firms operating in Mumbai and Kolkata. His early career included exposure to international gem markets such as New York City, Dubai, and Singapore, and he developed business ties with entities in Belgium and Israel.
He rose to prominence as chairman of the Gitanjali Group, a conglomerate comprising retail chains and jewelry manufacturing units with operations across India and outlets linked to shopping centers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The group held business relationships with suppliers in Antwerp and retailers in London and New York City. The conglomerate expanded into branded jewelry, franchising, and export activities, engaging with banking partners including State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank. The group also engaged advisory and audit relationships with firms from Mumbai and international consultancies with presence in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Allegations surfaced involving fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking and fraudulent credit facilities that implicated multinational banking transactions routed through branches of Punjab National Bank in Mumbai and overseas correspondent banks in New York City and Hong Kong. Investigations were conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, alongside regulatory scrutiny from the Reserve Bank of India. Legal filings alleged collusion with other individuals and entities, prompting criminal complaints, recovery actions, and prosecution in Indian courts including proceedings before trial courts and appellate benches.
Amidst investigation and prosecution, he traveled to Antigua and Barbuda and acquired citizenship under its Citizenship by Investment program. His relocation coincided with Interpol notices and travel restrictions imposed by Indian authorities. Reports indicated movements between Barbados, Dominican Republic, and Caribbean ports, and his residence in St. John's became focal in diplomatic exchanges involving Republic of India representatives and Antigua and Barbuda officials.
India pursued extradition through diplomatic channels and legal instruments, filing requests with Antigua and Barbuda and seeking assistance from Interpol and foreign courts. Domestic litigation in Antigua and Barbuda involved petitions in the High Court and appeals to appellate bodies addressing citizenship and extradition procedures. Concurrently, Indian agencies maintained proceedings in criminal courts, invoking statutes administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs and prosecutorial authorities. International law aspects engaged practitioners and jurists familiar with bilateral treaties and extradition norms applicable to Commonwealth jurisdictions.
The case generated diplomatic dialogue between India and Antigua and Barbuda, drawing media attention across outlets in London, New York City, and Mumbai. Human rights and legal advocacy groups in Geneva and non-governmental organizations commented on due process and consular access. The matter intersected with discussions in Caribbean Community forums and raised questions at meetings involving representatives from United Kingdom and United States missions regarding cross-border financial crime cooperation and mutual legal assistance.
He belonged to a family active in the diamond trade with relatives and business associates having interests in Surat, Mumbai, and international trading hubs such as Antwerp and Hong Kong. Reported assets included residential properties, retail showrooms, and stakes in manufacturing units; authorities in India initiated asset attachment and recovery measures involving properties in Mumbai and bank accounts linked to firms registered in various states including Gujarat and Maharashtra. His naturalization in Antigua and Barbuda and associated investments remained subject to review by local authorities and courts.
Category:1959 births Category:People from Surat Category:Indian businesspeople Category:People charged with fraud