Big Blow For Mehul Choksi, Antigua Government Decides To Revoke Citizenship

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In what is seen as a  big blow for fugitive  Mehul Choksi, the Antiguan government has  according to media reports  has decided to revoke his  citizenship ..

In January, last year, Choksi absconded after the Rs 14,000-crore PNB fraud came to light, whereby the primary accused were diamantaires Nirav Modi and Choksi himself. Following this, he surrendered his Indian passport and took up Antiguan citizenship.

Antiguan PM Gaston Browne in a statement said, “His citizenship was processed; he got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India; so there is recourse. Its not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes.”

Extradition process against the absconding businessman, who is an accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, began in March.

Following the proceedings, the Antiguan Prime Minister on Tuesday said that Choksi has the right to defend his position.

“But I can assure you after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited, Browne said.