Who Is Mehul Choksi? From Diamond Tycoon to Fugitive

Mehul Choksi was once a well-known name in India’s diamond industry. Today, he’s known around the world as a fugitive businessman at the center of one of India’s biggest bank fraud cases. In 2025, he made headlines again after being arrested in Belgium on India’s request for extradition. Here’s a clear look at his story—from rise to fall.

Early Life and Education of Mehul Choksi 

Mehul Choksi was born in Mumbai and studied commerce. He graduated from the G.G. College in Mumbai and later joined his family’s jewelry business. Over the years, he helped turn the company into a big name—Gitanjali Gems—with hundreds of stores across India.

He was once admired as a smart businessman who knew the diamond market well. His success earned him respect, fame, and fortune.

Rise to Power in the Diamond Industry

Through Gitanjali Gems, Choksi became one of the biggest players in the Indian jewelry market. The company was listed on the stock market, and his brands were everywhere—from malls to advertisements.

But behind the glamour, something darker was happening.

Mehul Choksi: The ₹13,000 Crore PNB Scam

In 2018, it was revealed that Mehul Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, was involved in a massive bank fraud. They were accused of cheating Punjab National Bank (PNB) of over ₹13,000 crore (around $1.8 billion) using fake guarantees to get loans from overseas banks.

The scam shocked the nation. As investigators started looking into the case, Choksi fled India in January 2018, just before the scandal became public. He later took citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, making it harder for India to bring him back.

Life of Mehul Choksi as a Fugitive

After leaving India, Choksi stayed in the Caribbean for several years. Indian authorities tried multiple times to get him extradited, but legal hurdles and international laws slowed things down.

In 2021, he was briefly caught in Dominica under strange circumstances, but he claimed he was kidnapped. That case added more twists to his already complicated story.

Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium

In April 2025, Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium based on a request from Indian authorities. This is a major step forward in India’s attempt to bring him back and put him on trial. The arrest has given new hope to the victims and the government.

Whistle-blowers who first exposed the scam have welcomed the news and are pushing for his speedy extradition.

What About Mehul Choksi Family?

While Mehul Choksi stays in the spotlight, many people wonder about his family. His children, Priyanka and Rohan Choksi, have taken a different path. Reports say that Rohan is running a luxury fashion brand in Belgium, while Priyanka is living a quieter life. Choksi’s wife Preeti is said to be in Austin, Texas, in the U.S.

What’s Next?

Now that he’s been arrested in Belgium, the focus is on whether he will be extradited to India. The legal process may still take time, but authorities are hopeful that justice will be served.

This case is a reminder of how even the most powerful businessmen can fall—and how important it is to have strong systems to prevent fraud.

Final Thoughts

Mehul Choksi’s story is one of rise, fraud, escape, and pursuit. From being a respected diamond merchant to becoming a wanted man, his journey shows how one mistake—or many—can bring down even the biggest names.

All eyes are now on the next chapter: Will Mehul Choksi finally face justice in India?