An Indian court on Thursday (Sept 21) dismissed pleas filed by economic offender Mehul Choksi aimed at challenging efforts of India’s top economic intelligence agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), to declare him a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO).

Choksi is an accused in the PNB bank scam case, along with billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, who is the promoter of Gitanjali Gems. Choksi and Modi have been accused of getting letters of undertaking (LoU) and foreign letters of credit (FLC) of Rs 12,636 crore issued in favour of foreign branches of Indian banks based on fraudulent claims.

It is to be noted that Modi was declared an FEO in December 2019, and now the ED is seeking to pursue a similar case against Choksi as well.

<h2>Choksi alleges procedural lapses in ED’s proceedings</h2>

Justice Sarang V Kotwal of the Bombay High Court concluded a hearing on September 11 in Choksi's pleas and reserved the order. In his pleas, Choksi alleged procedural lapses in the proceedings before the special court designated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

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In January 2020, the HC initially provided temporary relief to Choksi by preventing the special court from issuing a final order on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application to label Choksi as a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO). This injunction was repeatedly extended until Friday.

In 2019, the ED submitted an application to the PMLA Court, seeking to declare Choksi as an FEO under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, and seize his assets.&nbsp;

<h2>Who can be declared as FEO?</h2>

According to Indian laws, a person can be declared an FEO if a warrant is issued against them for an offence involving Rs 100 crore or more and if they have left the country and refused to return.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-nijjar-row-india-suspends-visas-for-canadians-as-tensions-rise-between-the-two-countries-638125">Also read:&nbsp;Amid Nijjar row, India suspends visas for Canadians as tensions rise between the two countries</a>

Choksi had subsequently approached the HC to challenge the ED's application, filing two petitions: one seeking the dismissal of the central agency's application and the other seeking permission to cross-examine the investigating officers and individuals whose statements the investigative agency relied upon to declare Choksi as an FEO.

<h2>ED’s argument</h2>

Last month, the agency also approached the HC to review the stay on proceedings to declare Choksi an FEO.&nbsp;

The agency argued that Choksi is accused under the PMLA Act, and prosecution against him is pending due to the HC's stay. It urged Justice Kotwal to make a final decision on the petitions promptly.

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An Indian court on Thursday (Sept 21) dismissed pleas filed by economic offender Mehul Choksi aimed at challenging efforts of India’s top economic intelligence agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), to declare him a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO).

An Indian court on Thursday (Sept 21) dismissed pleas filed by economic offender Mehul Choksi aimed at challenging efforts of India’s top economic intelligence agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), to declare him a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO). Choksi is an accused in the PNB bank scam case, along with billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, who is the promoter of Gitanjali Gems. Choksi and Modi have been accused of getting letters of undertaking (LoU) and foreign letters of credit (FLC) of Rs 12,636 crore issued in favour of foreign branches of Indian banks based on fraudulent claims. It is to be noted that Modi was declared an FEO in December 2019, and now the ED is seeking to pursue a similar case against Choksi as well. Choksi alleges procedural lapses in ED’s proceedings Justice Sarang V Kotwal of the Bombay High Court concluded a hearing on September 11 in Choksi's pleas and reserved the order. In his pleas, Choksi alleged procedural lapses in the proceedings before the special court designated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Watch: Nigeria: Indian diaspora celebrates Ganesha Chaturthi in Lagos as festival goes global × In January 2020, the HC initially provided temporary relief to Choksi by preventing the special court from issuing a final order on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application to label Choksi as a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO). This injunction was repeatedly extended until Friday. In 2019, the ED submitted an application to the PMLA Court, seeking to declare Choksi as an FEO under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, and seize his assets. Who can be declared as FEO? According to Indian laws, a person can be declared an FEO if a warrant is issued against them for an offence involving Rs 100 crore or more and if they have left the country and refused to return. Also read: Amid Nijjar row, India suspends visas for Canadians as tensions rise between the two countries Choksi had subsequently approached the HC to challenge the ED's application, filing two petitions: one seeking the dismissal of the central agency's application and the other seeking permission to cross-examine the investigating officers and individuals whose statements the investigative agency relied upon to declare Choksi as an FEO. ED’s argument Last month, the agency also approached the HC to review the stay on proceedings to declare Choksi an FEO. The agency argued that Choksi is accused under the PMLA Act, and prosecution against him is pending due to the HC's stay. It urged Justice Kotwal to make a final decision on the petitions promptly. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Court dismisses Mehul Choksi’s pleas against ED’s move to declare him ‘fugitive’

There is a bit of a reprieve for fugitive businessman - the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda has ruled in his favour, arguing that Choksi cannot be removed from the country's territory. Watch the video to know more.

Mehul Choksi wins case in Antigua & Barbuda, to be granted all legal options including appeals

Mehul Choksi, a diamantaire wanted in India in connection with a scam of INR 13,000 crores (Rs 130 billion), cannot be extradited, the Antigua and Barbuda High Court said on Friday.

Choksi had requested relief, including a declaration that says he is entitled to a timely and complete inquiry into the events surrounding his forceful deportation from Antigua and Barbuda on or about May 23, 2021.&nbsp;

Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in India for a Rs 13,000-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank,&nbsp;disappeared from Antigua in May 2021 after fleeing there in 2018 to evade punishment in India for defrauding PNB&nbsp;along with his nephew, Nirav Modi. He had then claimed that he was removed from Antigua &amp; Barbuda and was forced to travel to Dominica in a boat.

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Choksi argued in his civil lawsuit that the Attorney General of Antigua and the Chief of Police have a duty to conduct a thorough investigation and that he has a plausible claim that he was subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, according to Dominica-based Nature Isle News.

According to the court decision, Mehul Choksi cannot be removed from Antigua and Barbuda's territory until the High Court rules after an inter-party hearing and after Mehul Choksi has exhausted all other legal options, including appeals.

"Further or in the alternative, a Declaration that the first Defendant is to establish an independent, judicial inquiry as to the circumstances of the Claimant (Mehul Choksi)'s forcible abduction and removal from the jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda on or around 23 May 2021. A Declaration that the second Defendant has a duty to confirm to the Dominican police that the evidence supports that the Claimant was forcibly removed from the jurisdiction and taken to Dominica against his will," the court order read.

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"An Order that the Claimant may not be caused to leave and/or be removed from the jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda without an order from the High Court after an inter partes hearing and subject to the Claimant exhausting any appeals or other legal relief provided by law. An Order that the second Defendant releases the statement taken by its officers from the Claimant on 15 August 2021," it read further.

Earlier, India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its statement said that it remains committed to returning fugitives and criminals to India to face the process of criminal justice.

"Systematic steps have been initiated in close coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies for geo-locating and return of wanted criminals and economic offenders. In the last 15 months, over 30 wanted criminals have returned to India," it read.&nbsp;

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According to the CBI, a complaint was filed on February 15, 2018, accusing 63-year-old diamantaire Mehul Choksi and others of cheating the Punjab National Bank. Mehul Choksi and others faced five further criminal cases brought by the CBI in 2022 for bank and financial institution fraud.

Earlier in March, Mehul Choksi's name was removed from the Interpol database of Red Notices (RCN). As per reports, Choksi got off the list on the basis of his plea to the Lyon-headquartered agency. Responding on that, CBI said it "continues to exercise available remedial and appellate options within INTERPOL for rectification of this faulty decision and for restoration of Red Notice."

"CBI has pointed out that even Antigua authorities consider there is sufficient evidence to substantiate that the applicant concealed material facts or made false representation when he applied for his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, a fact which reflects on previous conduct of this criminal," it added.&nbsp;

Choksi's spokesperson claimed, "The report from the Antiguan police, and the evidence adduced by Choksi in the ongoing High Court proceedings in Antigua, point to an alarming case of state orchestrated kidnap, torture and attempted rendition by the Indian government."&nbsp;

"The decision of Interpol to delete the Red Notice strengthens these concerns. Moreover, the preliminary ruling of the High Court in Antigua demonstrates that there is a case to answer for a full investigation. In turn, Choksi has presented a compelling case that the Indian government is behind the orchestrated kidnap from Antiguan territory, the torture of Mr Choksi, and the attempt to render him to India in breach of the international rule of law," he added.&nbsp; 
 
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Mehul Choksi, a diamantaire wanted in India in connection with a scam of INR 13,000 crores (Rs 130 billion), cannot be extradited, the Antigua and Barbuda High Court said on Friday.

Mehul Choksi, a diamantaire wanted in India in connection with a scam of INR 13,000 crores (Rs 130 billion), cannot be extradited, the Antigua and Barbuda High Court said on Friday. Choksi had requested relief, including a declaration that says he is entitled to a timely and complete inquiry into the events surrounding his forceful deportation from Antigua and Barbuda on or about May 23, 2021. Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in India for a Rs 13,000-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank, disappeared from Antigua in May 2021 after fleeing there in 2018 to evade punishment in India for defrauding PNB along with his nephew, Nirav Modi. He had then claimed that he was removed from Antigua & Barbuda and was forced to travel to Dominica in a boat. Also Read | Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service Choksi argued in his civil lawsuit that the Attorney General of Antigua and the Chief of Police have a duty to conduct a thorough investigation and that he has a plausible claim that he was subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, according to Dominica-based Nature Isle News. According to the court decision, Mehul Choksi cannot be removed from Antigua and Barbuda's territory until the High Court rules after an inter-party hearing and after Mehul Choksi has exhausted all other legal options, including appeals. "Further or in the alternative, a Declaration that the first Defendant is to establish an independent, judicial inquiry as to the circumstances of the Claimant (Mehul Choksi)'s forcible abduction and removal from the jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda on or around 23 May 2021. A Declaration that the second Defendant has a duty to confirm to the Dominican police that the evidence supports that the Claimant was forcibly removed from the jurisdiction and taken to Dominica against his will," the court order read. Also Read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access "An Order that the Claimant may not be caused to leave and/or be removed from the jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda without an order from the High Court after an inter partes hearing and subject to the Claimant exhausting any appeals or other legal relief provided by law. An Order that the second Defendant releases the statement taken by its officers from the Claimant on 15 August 2021," it read further. Earlier, India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its statement said that it remains committed to returning fugitives and criminals to India to face the process of criminal justice. "Systematic steps have been initiated in close coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies for geo-locating and return of wanted criminals and economic offenders. In the last 15 months, over 30 wanted criminals have returned to India," it read. Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests × According to the CBI, a complaint was filed on February 15, 2018, accusing 63-year-old diamantaire Mehul Choksi and others of cheating the Punjab National Bank. Mehul Choksi and others faced five further criminal cases brought by the CBI in 2022 for bank and financial institution fraud. Earlier in March, Mehul Choksi's name was removed from the Interpol database of Red Notices (RCN). As per reports, Choksi got off the list on the basis of his plea to the Lyon-headquartered agency. Responding on that, CBI said it "continues to exercise available remedial and appellate options within INTERPOL for rectification of this faulty decision and for restoration of Red Notice." "CBI has pointed out that even Antigua authorities consider there is sufficient evidence to substantiate that the applicant concealed material facts or made false representation when he applied for his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, a fact which reflects on previous conduct of this criminal," it added. Choksi's spokesperson claimed, "The report from the Antiguan police, and the evidence adduced by Choksi in the ongoing High Court proceedings in Antigua, point to an alarming case of state orchestrated kidnap, torture and attempted rendition by the Indian government." "The decision of Interpol to delete the Red Notice strengthens these concerns. Moreover, the preliminary ruling of the High Court in Antigua demonstrates that there is a case to answer for a full investigation. In turn, Choksi has presented a compelling case that the Indian government is behind the orchestrated kidnap from Antiguan territory, the torture of Mr Choksi, and the attempt to render him to India in breach of the international rule of law," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi cannot be extradited, rules Antigua and Barbuda court

The name of Indian fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who is involved in a Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam and fled the country in 2018, has been removed from the Interpol database of Red Notices (RCN).&nbsp;As per reports, Choksi got off the list basis his plea to the Lyon-headquartered agency.&nbsp;

Interpol Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.&nbsp;

Initially, it was seen as a setback for India, however the nation's intelligence agency, CBI, said this latest development does not affect the fugitive's extradition request. "CBI continues to exercise available remedial and appellate options within INTERPOL for rectification of this faulty decision and for restoration of Red Notice," ANI reported quoting CBI as saying.&nbsp;

"CBI has pointed out that even Antigua authorities consider there is sufficient evidence to substantiate that the applicant concealed material facts or made false representation when he applied for his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, a fact which reflects on previous conduct of this criminal," it added.&nbsp;

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Choksi fled India in January 2018 to Antigua and Barbuda to seek refuge. Ten months after, Interpol issued a Red Notice against him. Choksi holds citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.&nbsp;Reports said that Choksi has raised objections against the CBI chargesheet. On several occassions he also cited health issues.&nbsp;

India's investigating agency CBI has charge-sheeted both Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi for their involvement in the PNB fraud.&nbsp;

Choksi's spokesperson claims, "The report from the Antiguan police, and the evidence adduced by Choksi in the ongoing High Court proceedings in Antigua, point to an alarming case of state orchestrated kidnap, torture and attempted rendition by the Indian government."&nbsp;

"The decision of Interpol to delete the Red Notice strengthens these concerns. Moreover, the preliminary ruling of the High Court in Antigua demonstrates that there is a case to answer for a full investigation. In turn, Choksi has presented a compelling case that the Indian government is behind the orchestrated kidnap from Antiguan territory, the torture of Mr Choksi, and the attempt to render him to India in breach of the international rule of law," he added.&nbsp;

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In a major development in May 2021 that had major reverberations in India, Choksi was mysteriously seen in neighbouring Dominica.&nbsp;He was detained for in Dominica for illegally entering the country.

As soon as the news of this breakthrough development of Choksi's arrest in Dominica came to surface, India scrambled its team headed by CBI DIG Sharda Raut to bring back the fugitive to India and bring him to books.&nbsp;Choksi's lawyers got in motion and filed a habeas corpus petition before the Dominica High Court.&nbsp;

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The 62-year-old businessman Choksi got out of prison after 51 days following a bail by Dominica High Court in July 2021 to travel back to Antigua.&nbsp;The bail was provided with a provision that he will return to face trail once he got his health clearance. Afterwards, all charges against Choksi illegally entering Dominica were dropped.&nbsp;

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The name of Indian fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who is involved in a Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam and fled the country in 2018, has been removed from the Interpol database of Red Notices (RCN).

The name of Indian fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who is involved in a Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam and fled the country in 2018, has been removed from the Interpol database of Red Notices (RCN). As per reports, Choksi got off the list basis his plea to the Lyon-headquartered agency. Interpol Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. Initially, it was seen as a setback for India, however the nation's intelligence agency, CBI, said this latest development does not affect the fugitive's extradition request. "CBI continues to exercise available remedial and appellate options within INTERPOL for rectification of this faulty decision and for restoration of Red Notice," ANI reported quoting CBI as saying. "CBI has pointed out that even Antigua authorities consider there is sufficient evidence to substantiate that the applicant concealed material facts or made false representation when he applied for his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, a fact which reflects on previous conduct of this criminal," it added. Also Read | After 11 weeks of protests, Israel modifies key judicial reform Choksi fled India in January 2018 to Antigua and Barbuda to seek refuge. Ten months after, Interpol issued a Red Notice against him. Choksi holds citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. Reports said that Choksi has raised objections against the CBI chargesheet. On several occassions he also cited health issues. India's investigating agency CBI has charge-sheeted both Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi for their involvement in the PNB fraud. Choksi's spokesperson claims, "The report from the Antiguan police, and the evidence adduced by Choksi in the ongoing High Court proceedings in Antigua, point to an alarming case of state orchestrated kidnap, torture and attempted rendition by the Indian government." "The decision of Interpol to delete the Red Notice strengthens these concerns. Moreover, the preliminary ruling of the High Court in Antigua demonstrates that there is a case to answer for a full investigation. In turn, Choksi has presented a compelling case that the Indian government is behind the orchestrated kidnap from Antiguan territory, the torture of Mr Choksi, and the attempt to render him to India in breach of the international rule of law," he added. Also Read | President Joe Biden signs law declassifying US intelligence on Covid virus origin In a major development in May 2021 that had major reverberations in India, Choksi was mysteriously seen in neighbouring Dominica. He was detained for in Dominica for illegally entering the country. As soon as the news of this breakthrough development of Choksi's arrest in Dominica came to surface, India scrambled its team headed by CBI DIG Sharda Raut to bring back the fugitive to India and bring him to books. Choksi's lawyers got in motion and filed a habeas corpus petition before the Dominica High Court. Watch | France protest: Police fire tear gas on protestors The 62-year-old businessman Choksi got out of prison after 51 days following a bail by Dominica High Court in July 2021 to travel back to Antigua. The bail was provided with a provision that he will return to face trail once he got his health clearance. Afterwards, all charges against Choksi illegally entering Dominica were dropped. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi removed from Interpol Red Notice List

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has reportedly been buying protection in Antigua by bribing officials, according to investigations conducted by Kenneth Rijock, a renowned financial crimes investigator.&nbsp;

The shocking revelations were made in Rijock's news article on Blogger against Mehul Choksi's bribery and conspiracy in Antigua. He wrote that officials are interfering with Interpol's efforts to detain him for extradition to India.

Choksi has been plotting to illegally extend the court process in Antigua by paying bribes to government officials, including senior Antigua police official, Adonis Henry.

Several witnesses have talked about how Choksi and Inspector Henry have been meeting at least three times a day at Al Porto, a Jolly Harbor restaurant reportedly owned by Choksi, wrote Rijock in his financial crime blog.

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His article further says that besides reaching out to Henry, Choksi has also tried to influence Antigua magistrate Conliffe Clarke through illegal payments. In a bid to delay his extradition, Choksi has tried to influence Clarke through illegal payments, wrote Rijock in his blog post.

Clarke and Henry have conspired to interfere with Interpol's efforts to detain him for extradition to face charges in India, Rijock said citing his sources.

Rijock also describes how the diamond merchant failed to flee from Antigua to Cuba and how he then ended up fabricating a kidnapping scenario, backing his information with various facts.

Choksi wanted to flee to Cuba since it does not have an extradition treaty with India. However, since he failed to pay the promised amount to the smugglers' crew of the ship transporting him to Cuba, &nbsp;he was dumped off on the coast of Dominica in May 2021.&nbsp;

An Antiguan court has already ordered Choksi extradited to India for allegedly stealing the equivalent of millions of dollars. But his bribes to corrupt government officials, judges and law enforcement agents in Antigua have delayed the proceeding.&nbsp;

Choksi obtained a Citizenship by Investment (CIP/CBI) passport in Antigua, notwithstanding an outstanding Interpol Red Notice seeking his arrest. Interpol has issued a Red notice against the fugitive who had been involved in the Punjab National Bank Scam following which he fled the country in 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has reportedly been buying protection in Antigua by bribing officials, according to investigations conducted by Kenneth Rijock, a renowned financial crimes investigator.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has reportedly been buying protection in Antigua by bribing officials, according to investigations conducted by Kenneth Rijock, a renowned financial crimes investigator. The shocking revelations were made in Rijock's news article on Blogger against Mehul Choksi's bribery and conspiracy in Antigua. He wrote that officials are interfering with Interpol's efforts to detain him for extradition to India. Choksi has been plotting to illegally extend the court process in Antigua by paying bribes to government officials, including senior Antigua police official, Adonis Henry. Several witnesses have talked about how Choksi and Inspector Henry have been meeting at least three times a day at Al Porto, a Jolly Harbor restaurant reportedly owned by Choksi, wrote Rijock in his financial crime blog. Also Read | Treat Mehul Choksi as a citizen, says Antiguan opposition party His article further says that besides reaching out to Henry, Choksi has also tried to influence Antigua magistrate Conliffe Clarke through illegal payments. In a bid to delay his extradition, Choksi has tried to influence Clarke through illegal payments, wrote Rijock in his blog post. Clarke and Henry have conspired to interfere with Interpol's efforts to detain him for extradition to face charges in India, Rijock said citing his sources. Rijock also describes how the diamond merchant failed to flee from Antigua to Cuba and how he then ended up fabricating a kidnapping scenario, backing his information with various facts. Choksi wanted to flee to Cuba since it does not have an extradition treaty with India. However, since he failed to pay the promised amount to the smugglers' crew of the ship transporting him to Cuba, he was dumped off on the coast of Dominica in May 2021. An Antiguan court has already ordered Choksi extradited to India for allegedly stealing the equivalent of millions of dollars. But his bribes to corrupt government officials, judges and law enforcement agents in Antigua have delayed the proceeding. Choksi obtained a Citizenship by Investment (CIP/CBI) passport in Antigua, notwithstanding an outstanding Interpol Red Notice seeking his arrest. Interpol has issued a Red notice against the fugitive who had been involved in the Punjab National Bank Scam following which he fled the country in 2018. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mehul Choksi bribing officials to prolong extradition process: Reports

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi who is wanted in India; has reportedly been bribing officials in Antigua, the commonwealth territory in the Caribbean where he is seeking asylum to ward off Interpol's efforts to detain him for extradition to India

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi bribing Antiguan officials, says report

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi`s legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

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Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that `Mehul Chinubhai Choksi` was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit `Toucarie Bay, Toucarie` not approved as a point of entry."

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

Watch |&nbsp;India to Dominica court: Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen

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After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi`s lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fugitive-businessman-mehul-choksi-returns-to-antigua-after-dominica-court-lets-him-return-for-medical-treatment-398178">Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi returns to Antigua after Dominica court lets him return for medical treatment</a>

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica.

The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

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Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi`s legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Also read | CBI files another case against Mehul Choksi after raids Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that `Mehul Chinubhai Choksi` was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit `Toucarie Bay, Toucarie` not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." Watch | India to Dominica court: Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi`s lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Also read | Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi returns to Antigua after Dominica court lets him return for medical treatment Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dominica withdraws illegal entry case against Mehul Choksi

India Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on Monday filed a case against Mehul Choksi who is wanted in the multi-billion dollar&nbsp;Punjab National Bank (PNB)&nbsp;fraud along with Nirav Modi.

The case involves Choksi allegedly inflating the value of diamonds and jewellery as the CBI reportedly booked Choksi and his company Gitanjali Gems including valuers Surajmal Lallu Bhai and Co, Narendra Jhaveri, Pradip C Shah and Shrenik Shah.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fugitive-businessman-mehul-choksi-returns-to-antigua-after-dominica-court-lets-him-return-for-medical-treatment-398178">Also Read:&nbsp;Mehul Choksi returns to Antigua after Dominica court lets him return for medical treatment</a>

Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Ltd had alleged that Choksi had approached it seeking Rs 25 crore working capital loan as he pledged shares,&nbsp;gold and diamond jewellery.

The valuers at the time had said the jewellery was in the range of Rs 34-45 crore on the basis of which IFCI sanctioned the loan.

Watch:&nbsp;India to Dominica court: Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen

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However, after the&nbsp;company allegedly defaulted on payments as IFCI called in the shares and jewellery but it could sell 6,48,822 shares for just Rs 4,07 crore even as 20,60,054 shares were pledged but the client ID of Mehul Choksi was blocked by NSDL, according to the complaint.

The incident was recorded in the FIR. Choksi along with Nirav Modi has been accused by Indian authorities of siphoning off over billions from Punjab National Bank (PNB) using fraudulent letters of undertaking and foreign letters of credit.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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India Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on Monday filed a case against Mehul Choksi who is wanted in the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud along with Nirav Modi.

India Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on Monday filed a case against Mehul Choksi who is wanted in the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud along with Nirav Modi. The case involves Choksi allegedly inflating the value of diamonds and jewellery as the CBI reportedly booked Choksi and his company Gitanjali Gems including valuers Surajmal Lallu Bhai and Co, Narendra Jhaveri, Pradip C Shah and Shrenik Shah. Also Read: Mehul Choksi returns to Antigua after Dominica court lets him return for medical treatment Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Ltd had alleged that Choksi had approached it seeking Rs 25 crore working capital loan as he pledged shares, gold and diamond jewellery. The valuers at the time had said the jewellery was in the range of Rs 34-45 crore on the basis of which IFCI sanctioned the loan. Watch: India to Dominica court: Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen However, after the company allegedly defaulted on payments as IFCI called in the shares and jewellery but it could sell 6,48,822 shares for just Rs 4,07 crore even as 20,60,054 shares were pledged but the client ID of Mehul Choksi was blocked by NSDL, according to the complaint. The incident was recorded in the FIR. Choksi along with Nirav Modi has been accused by Indian authorities of siphoning off over billions from Punjab National Bank (PNB) using fraudulent letters of undertaking and foreign letters of credit. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here

CBI files another case against Mehul Choksi after raids

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got Subhash Shankar Parab deported from Egypt to India on Tuesday (April 12) after a long diplomatic and legal process.&nbsp;

Parab is a key accused in connection with the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam in 2018, involving diamantaire Nirav Modi.&nbsp;

Officials have stated that a CBI team had gone to Cairo to bring back 50-year-old Parab, who was allegedly kept in illegal confinement in the Egyptian capital city.&nbsp;

Officials added that Parab was the Deputy General Manager (Finance) in Firestar Diamond. He landed in Mumbai early after "deportation".&nbsp;

According to the officials, Parab was absconding ever since the case involving diamantaire Nirav Modi&nbsp;and his uncle Mehul Choksi came to light.&nbsp;

India had issued an Interpol Red Notice against Parab to track him and bring him back.&nbsp;

India-based news agencies reported that authorities received information that Parab was kept in illegal confinement by Nirav Modi's men.&nbsp;

As noted by Interpol, charges on Nirav Modi are punishments of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker merchant or agent, cheating and dishonesttly inducing delivery of property, prevention of corruption act.&nbsp;

Officials stated that after a long diplomatic and legal process, the CBI managed to secure "administrative extradition" or deportation of Parab.&nbsp;

Officials believe Parab could spill the beans on the country's biggest banking scam allegedly perpetrated by Nirav Modi and Choksi with a combined loss of Rs13,000 crore.&nbsp;

Earlier, the investigation revealed that the duo is wanted for allegedly siphoning off public money from the state-run PNB, using the Letters of Undertaking.&nbsp;

The investigations revealed that messages for fraudulent LoUs were sent to overseas banks by misusing Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT), an international messaging system for banking, and without making their subsequent entries in PNB's internal software 'Finacle', thus bypassing any scrutiny of such funds in the bank.&nbsp;

An LoU is a guarantee given by an issuing bank to Indian banks having branches abroad to grant a short-term credit to the applicant.&nbsp;

In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to the credit-giving bank along with accruing interest.&nbsp;

The companies of Nirav Modi and Choksi took loans from banks abroad on the basis of these LoUs but did not repay them, thus transferring the liability to PNB.&nbsp;

Nirav Modi is in a London prison after repeated denial of bail and is contesting extradition to India.&nbsp;

Choksi had taken the citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 using the Citizenship by Investment programme even before fleeing India in the first week of January 2018.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;India's import of Russian oil remains point of contention between New Delhi and Washington

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got Subhash Shankar Parab deported from Egypt to India on Tuesday (April 12) after a long diplomatic and legal process.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got Subhash Shankar Parab deported from Egypt to India on Tuesday (April 12) after a long diplomatic and legal process. Parab is a key accused in connection with the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam in 2018, involving diamantaire Nirav Modi. Officials have stated that a CBI team had gone to Cairo to bring back 50-year-old Parab, who was allegedly kept in illegal confinement in the Egyptian capital city. Officials added that Parab was the Deputy General Manager (Finance) in Firestar Diamond. He landed in Mumbai early after "deportation". According to the officials, Parab was absconding ever since the case involving diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi came to light. India had issued an Interpol Red Notice against Parab to track him and bring him back. India-based news agencies reported that authorities received information that Parab was kept in illegal confinement by Nirav Modi's men. As noted by Interpol, charges on Nirav Modi are punishments of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker merchant or agent, cheating and dishonesttly inducing delivery of property, prevention of corruption act. Officials stated that after a long diplomatic and legal process, the CBI managed to secure "administrative extradition" or deportation of Parab. Officials believe Parab could spill the beans on the country's biggest banking scam allegedly perpetrated by Nirav Modi and Choksi with a combined loss of Rs13,000 crore. Earlier, the investigation revealed that the duo is wanted for allegedly siphoning off public money from the state-run PNB, using the Letters of Undertaking. The investigations revealed that messages for fraudulent LoUs were sent to overseas banks by misusing Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT), an international messaging system for banking, and without making their subsequent entries in PNB's internal software 'Finacle', thus bypassing any scrutiny of such funds in the bank. An LoU is a guarantee given by an issuing bank to Indian banks having branches abroad to grant a short-term credit to the applicant. In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to the credit-giving bank along with accruing interest. The companies of Nirav Modi and Choksi took loans from banks abroad on the basis of these LoUs but did not repay them, thus transferring the liability to PNB. Nirav Modi is in a London prison after repeated denial of bail and is contesting extradition to India. Choksi had taken the citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 using the Citizenship by Investment programme even before fleeing India in the first week of January 2018. ALSO WATCH | India's import of Russian oil remains point of contention between New Delhi and Washington × (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Subhash Shankar Parab? Nirav Modi's close aide deported to India from Egypt

Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond jeweller, has returned to Antigua and Barbuda for medical treatment after spending 51 days in detention in Dominica for illegal entry.&nbsp;

“My client Choksi has returned to his house in Antigua safely.He had no problems getting back into Antigua,” Choksi's lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, said.

Choksi is undergoing medical care, and his family is relieved, but the brutality he endured during his kidnapping caused him a great deal of psychological and bodily suffering, according to Aggarwal. 
 
“All well that ends well. After tasting success in Dominica now legal team is gearing up for long drawn fight in Antigua,” Aggarwal added. 
 
Choksi reportedly disappeared on May 23 in Antigua and Barbuda, where he had been a citizen since 2018 after fleeing Delhi.

He was jailed in Dominica, a neighbouring island republic, for allegedly entering the country illegally.

His lawyers claimed he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by police officers who appeared to be Antiguan and Indian, and then transported to Dominica by boat.&nbsp;

Choksi was granted bail on medical grounds on Monday by Dominica High Court. &nbsp;The court has asked Choksi to deposit Eastern Caribbean dollars 10,000 (around Rs 2.75 lakh) as surety for the bail.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond jeweller, has returned to Antigua and Barbuda for medical treatment after spending 51 days in detention in Dominica for illegal entry.

Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond jeweller, has returned to Antigua and Barbuda for medical treatment after spending 51 days in detention in Dominica for illegal entry. “My client Choksi has returned to his house in Antigua safely.He had no problems getting back into Antigua,” Choksi's lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, said. Choksi is undergoing medical care, and his family is relieved, but the brutality he endured during his kidnapping caused him a great deal of psychological and bodily suffering, according to Aggarwal. “All well that ends well. After tasting success in Dominica now legal team is gearing up for long drawn fight in Antigua,” Aggarwal added. Choksi reportedly disappeared on May 23 in Antigua and Barbuda, where he had been a citizen since 2018 after fleeing Delhi. He was jailed in Dominica, a neighbouring island republic, for allegedly entering the country illegally. His lawyers claimed he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by police officers who appeared to be Antiguan and Indian, and then transported to Dominica by boat. Choksi was granted bail on medical grounds on Monday by Dominica High Court. The court has asked Choksi to deposit Eastern Caribbean dollars 10,000 (around Rs 2.75 lakh) as surety for the bail. (With inputs from agencies)

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi returns to Antigua after Dominica court lets him return for medical treatment

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who is under arrest in Dominica has been granted bail by a Caribbean court. Choksi has been allowed to return to Antigua and Barbuda for medical consultation.

Dominican court grants interim bail to Mehul Choksi on medical grounds

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, has filed a judicial review petition in the Dominica High Court, alleging that his detention for illegal immigration was "dictated" by Indian government officials.

Choksi's lawyers said that the police chief and investigating officer's decision to charge him was not "their independent judgement" and that it was a "abuse of the court process."&nbsp;

The case was filed against the immigration minister of the Caribbean nation, its police chief and the investigating officer of the case.&nbsp;

Choksi, who went missing from Antigua and Barbuda where he had been living since 2018 after his escape from India, was arrested on May 23 in neighbouring Dominica for illegal entry. He was declared a prohibited immigrant by the Ministry of Immigration in Dominica.

The 62-year-old diamantaire, who is wanted in connection with a $2 billion Punjab National Bank scam, has filed a complaint with Dominica's high court, claiming that Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette and investigating Officer Sergeant Alleyne's decision to charge him with illegal entry was "not a product of their independent judgement."&nbsp;

"...they allowed themselves to be dictated by third parties, representatives of the Indian government...," Choksi alleged.

Seeking to quash the proceedings against him, Choksi pleaded before the high court that the decision to charge him for illegal entry was violative of law and accordingly, null and void, Caribbean media outlet Nature Isle News reported.

(With inputs from PTI)

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, has filed a judicial review petition in the Dominica High Court, alleging that his detention for illegal immigration was "dictated" by Indian government officials.

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, has filed a judicial review petition in the Dominica High Court, alleging that his detention for illegal immigration was "dictated" by Indian government officials. Choksi's lawyers said that the police chief and investigating officer's decision to charge him was not "their independent judgement" and that it was a "abuse of the court process." The case was filed against the immigration minister of the Caribbean nation, its police chief and the investigating officer of the case. Choksi, who went missing from Antigua and Barbuda where he had been living since 2018 after his escape from India, was arrested on May 23 in neighbouring Dominica for illegal entry. He was declared a prohibited immigrant by the Ministry of Immigration in Dominica. The 62-year-old diamantaire, who is wanted in connection with a $2 billion Punjab National Bank scam, has filed a complaint with Dominica's high court, claiming that Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette and investigating Officer Sergeant Alleyne's decision to charge him with illegal entry was "not a product of their independent judgement." "...they allowed themselves to be dictated by third parties, representatives of the Indian government...," Choksi alleged. Seeking to quash the proceedings against him, Choksi pleaded before the high court that the decision to charge him for illegal entry was violative of law and accordingly, null and void, Caribbean media outlet Nature Isle News reported. (With inputs from PTI)

Mehul Choksi says his arrest 'dictated by Indian govt', moves Dominica court

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has termed "total nonsense" the claims that his government was involved in alleged abduction of diamantaire Mehul Choksi, wanted in Rs 13,5000 crore scam in Punjab National Bank, from Antigua and Barbuda, neighbouring local media there reported.

In his weekly "annou palay" show, Skerrit said his government will allow the court to carry out its process regarding Choksi and gave the assurance that his rights and obligations will be respected, Dominica News Online reported.

Skerrit refuted the allegations of a plot between India and Dominica government to kidnap Choksi from neighbouring Caribbean country Antigua and Barbuda, where he was staying since 2018 as a citizen, after fleeing from India, and bring him to Dominica, the news portal reported.

"To say that the government of Dominica and the government of Antigua along with India colluded in any way, give me a break, that's total nonsense. We don't get involved ourselves in those kinds of activities, those practices, not at all. I mean that is absurd and we reject it and it is unfortunate that anybody would want to propagate this unsubstantiated claim by a gentleman who is before the courts," he was quoted as saying by Dominica News Online.

He further said "whether it would be fair for a local who commits murder in Dominica and flees to another country, is allowed to roam free or instead be apprehended and sent back to Dominica to face his charges".

Citing the case of a Dominica citizen wanted by the United States whose extradition proceedings are going on in courts to counter opposition on Choksi, Skerrit said the country cannot treat people differently depending on who they are or how much money they may have.

"All of us are subjected to the laws irrespective of our position or how much money we may have or how much we don't have. And I believe that in this circumstanceDominica has a right and obligation to apprehend this person and bring the person before the courts and let the courts determine," he said.

"We here in Dominica with the opposition talking about Choksi but there is a young boy from Grand BayWhere there is an extradition request by the United States government on allegations that he committed a crime in St Thomas and we are mandated and obligated to apprehend him.

"And the police acted on the instruction of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) arrested the young man and he is remanded at the state prison awaiting his extradition hearing. His lawyers will fight his case. If the courts believe that there is no reason to extradite him to the United States then he will go freely," Skerrit said.

Choksi's lawyer in Dominica Justin Simon claimed that United Kingdom's Metropolitan Police, known as Scotland Yard, has started looking into allegations of torture and kidnapping of Choksi as citizens there were allegedly part of the plot, the news site reported.

Simon told media that there will be international implications if Dominica or Antigua turns out to be involved in the alleged plot, it said.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has termed "total nonsense" the claims that his government was involved in alleged abduction of diamantaire Mehul Choksi, wanted in Rs 13,5000 crore scam in Punjab National Bank, from Antigua and Barbuda, neighbouring local media there reported.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has termed "total nonsense" the claims that his government was involved in alleged abduction of diamantaire Mehul Choksi, wanted in Rs 13,5000 crore scam in Punjab National Bank, from Antigua and Barbuda, neighbouring local media there reported. In his weekly "annou palay" show, Skerrit said his government will allow the court to carry out its process regarding Choksi and gave the assurance that his rights and obligations will be respected, Dominica News Online reported. Skerrit refuted the allegations of a plot between India and Dominica government to kidnap Choksi from neighbouring Caribbean country Antigua and Barbuda, where he was staying since 2018 as a citizen, after fleeing from India, and bring him to Dominica, the news portal reported. "To say that the government of Dominica and the government of Antigua along with India colluded in any way, give me a break, that's total nonsense. We don't get involved ourselves in those kinds of activities, those practices, not at all. I mean that is absurd and we reject it and it is unfortunate that anybody would want to propagate this unsubstantiated claim by a gentleman who is before the courts," he was quoted as saying by Dominica News Online. He further said "whether it would be fair for a local who commits murder in Dominica and flees to another country, is allowed to roam free or instead be apprehended and sent back to Dominica to face his charges". Citing the case of a Dominica citizen wanted by the United States whose extradition proceedings are going on in courts to counter opposition on Choksi, Skerrit said the country cannot treat people differently depending on who they are or how much money they may have. "All of us are subjected to the laws irrespective of our position or how much money we may have or how much we don't have. And I believe that in this circumstanceDominica has a right and obligation to apprehend this person and bring the person before the courts and let the courts determine," he said. "We here in Dominica with the opposition talking about Choksi but there is a young boy from Grand BayWhere there is an extradition request by the United States government on allegations that he committed a crime in St Thomas and we are mandated and obligated to apprehend him. "And the police acted on the instruction of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) arrested the young man and he is remanded at the state prison awaiting his extradition hearing. His lawyers will fight his case. If the courts believe that there is no reason to extradite him to the United States then he will go freely," Skerrit said. Choksi's lawyer in Dominica Justin Simon claimed that United Kingdom's Metropolitan Police, known as Scotland Yard, has started looking into allegations of torture and kidnapping of Choksi as citizens there were allegedly part of the plot, the news site reported. Simon told media that there will be international implications if Dominica or Antigua turns out to be involved in the alleged plot, it said.

'Total nonsense': Dominica PM on claims that his government was involved in Choksi's abduction

&nbsp;About 40 per cent of the money lost by banks in alleged frauds perpetrated by fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Vijay Mallya has been recovered so far, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said after the sale of attached shares worth over Rs 5,800 crore on Wednesday.

According to the agency, the latest sale proceeds take the total value of recovery to Rs 9,041.5 crore, or 40 per cent of the over Rs 22,000 crore allegedly defrauded by the trio.

Commenting on the development, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted, "Fugitives &amp; economic offenders will be actively pursued; their properties attached &amp; dues recovered."

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The three, who fled overseas as a probe against them gathered pace, are being investigated by central investigative agencies such as the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after they were alleged to have cheated banks, and these frauds have been categorised as among the country's biggest criminal loan heist till date.

The central agency gave the low-down on these two cases, the estimated Rs 13,000 crore fraud allegedly carried out by diamond trader Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others in the Brady House branch of PNB in Mumbai and the about Rs 9,000 crore Kingfisher Airlines fraud triggered by Mallya, in a statement issued here.

It said the three "defrauded" public sector banks by siphoning off the funds through their companies which resulted in a total loss of over Rs 22,000 crore or $ 2,20,000 Million (Rs 22,585.83 crore in definite numbers) to a clutch of banks.

Asked for a comment, Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal told PTI, "The ED has indeed attached assets much more than the money due to the banks."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-loses-bankruptcy-petition-amendment-high-court-battle-in-uk-385876">Vijay Mallya loses bankruptcy petition amendment High Court battle in UK</a>&nbsp;

The ED, empowered to probe such cases under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), went on to attach and seize total assets worth Rs 18,170.02 crore in these two cases that included Rs 969 crore worth of properties "located" abroad.

"The quantum of the attached and seized assets represent 80.45 per cent of the total bank loss of Rs 22,585.83 crore," the ED said.

On Wednesday, out of these attached assets, the Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT) on behalf of an SBI-led consortium that lent money to Mallya sold fresh shares worth Rs 5,824.50 crore of United Breweries Limited (UBL), the agency said.

The DRT action came after the ED transferred the shares worth about Rs 6,624 crore of UBL attached by it to the SBI-led consortium on the directions of a special PMLA court that is hearing these cases in Mumbai.

"Further realisation of Rs 800 crore by sale of these shares is expected by June 25," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-faces-another-setback-as-uk-judge-rules-in-indias-favour-340393">Nirav Modi faces another setback as UK judge rules in India's favour</a>

The banks have earlier "recovered" Rs 1,357 crore by a similar sale of shares in the case against Mallya and his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, the ED said.

Another Rs 1,060 crore worth of assets were "restituted" to the banks earlier in the probe against Nirav Modi, they said.

As of date, the ED said, assets worth Rs 9,041.5 crore, "representing 40 per cent of the total loss to the banks, have been handed over to public sector banks."

"Thus, the banks shall be realising total amount of Rs 9,041.5 crore through sale of a part of assets attached/seized by ED under the PMLA," it said.

In addition, official sources said, Rs 329.67 crore has been realised in the government exchequer after Modi's assets were confiscated in July last year after the 50-year-old diamantaire was declared a fugitive economic offender by a special court in Mumbai.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mehul-choksis-claim-of-renouncing-indian-citizenship-bogus-india-391576/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The ED said the probe has "irrevocably proved" that the three used dummy entities controlled by them for rotation and siphoning off the funds provided by the banks.

"The investigators had to pierce through the multi-layered corporate veil to find these assets that were held in exclusive possession."

"It was a myriad web of domestic and international transactions and stashing of assets abroad," a senior officer said. 
The ED also got repatriated to the country assets like gold and diamond jewellery (of Modi and Choksi firms) from abroad to ensure they are not disposed off and are available to the banks and the government exchequer for seizure.

The agency said, "a substantial part of these assets were held in the names of dummy entities, trusts, third persons, relatives of these accused and these entities were proxy of the three accused to hold these assets."

It said the extradition of Mallya (65) "has been ordered by the Westminster Magistrates Court and confirmed by the UK High Court."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-seizes-vijay-mallyas-asset-in-france-worth-19-million-347571">Enforcement Directorate seizes Vijay Mallya’s asset in France worth $1.9 million</a>

"Since Mallya has been denied permission to file appeal in the UK Supreme Court, his extradition to India has become final," it added.

It said Modi too has lost his extradition plea and has been in a London jail for the last 2.3 years.

Choksi (62) had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda, where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen, and later surfaced in neighbouring Dominica from where India is trying to get him deported.

About 40 per cent of the money lost by banks in alleged frauds perpetrated by fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Vijay Mallya has been recovered so far, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said after the sale of attached shares worth over Rs 5,800 crore on Wednesday.

About 40 per cent of the money lost by banks in alleged frauds perpetrated by fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Vijay Mallya has been recovered so far, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said after the sale of attached shares worth over Rs 5,800 crore on Wednesday. According to the agency, the latest sale proceeds take the total value of recovery to Rs 9,041.5 crore, or 40 per cent of the over Rs 22,000 crore allegedly defrauded by the trio. Commenting on the development, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted, "Fugitives & economic offenders will be actively pursued; their properties attached & dues recovered." The three, who fled overseas as a probe against them gathered pace, are being investigated by central investigative agencies such as the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after they were alleged to have cheated banks, and these frauds have been categorised as among the country's biggest criminal loan heist till date. The central agency gave the low-down on these two cases, the estimated Rs 13,000 crore fraud allegedly carried out by diamond trader Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others in the Brady House branch of PNB in Mumbai and the about Rs 9,000 crore Kingfisher Airlines fraud triggered by Mallya, in a statement issued here. It said the three "defrauded" public sector banks by siphoning off the funds through their companies which resulted in a total loss of over Rs 22,000 crore or $ 2,20,000 Million (Rs 22,585.83 crore in definite numbers) to a clutch of banks. Asked for a comment, Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal told PTI, "The ED has indeed attached assets much more than the money due to the banks." Also read | Vijay Mallya loses bankruptcy petition amendment High Court battle in UK The ED, empowered to probe such cases under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), went on to attach and seize total assets worth Rs 18,170.02 crore in these two cases that included Rs 969 crore worth of properties "located" abroad. "The quantum of the attached and seized assets represent 80.45 per cent of the total bank loss of Rs 22,585.83 crore," the ED said. On Wednesday, out of these attached assets, the Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT) on behalf of an SBI-led consortium that lent money to Mallya sold fresh shares worth Rs 5,824.50 crore of United Breweries Limited (UBL), the agency said. The DRT action came after the ED transferred the shares worth about Rs 6,624 crore of UBL attached by it to the SBI-led consortium on the directions of a special PMLA court that is hearing these cases in Mumbai. "Further realisation of Rs 800 crore by sale of these shares is expected by June 25," it added. Also read | Nirav Modi faces another setback as UK judge rules in India's favour The banks have earlier "recovered" Rs 1,357 crore by a similar sale of shares in the case against Mallya and his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, the ED said. Another Rs 1,060 crore worth of assets were "restituted" to the banks earlier in the probe against Nirav Modi, they said. As of date, the ED said, assets worth Rs 9,041.5 crore, "representing 40 per cent of the total loss to the banks, have been handed over to public sector banks." "Thus, the banks shall be realising total amount of Rs 9,041.5 crore through sale of a part of assets attached/seized by ED under the PMLA," it said. In addition, official sources said, Rs 329.67 crore has been realised in the government exchequer after Modi's assets were confiscated in July last year after the 50-year-old diamantaire was declared a fugitive economic offender by a special court in Mumbai. The ED said the probe has "irrevocably proved" that the three used dummy entities controlled by them for rotation and siphoning off the funds provided by the banks. "The investigators had to pierce through the multi-layered corporate veil to find these assets that were held in exclusive possession." "It was a myriad web of domestic and international transactions and stashing of assets abroad," a senior officer said. The ED also got repatriated to the country assets like gold and diamond jewellery (of Modi and Choksi firms) from abroad to ensure they are not disposed off and are available to the banks and the government exchequer for seizure. The agency said, "a substantial part of these assets were held in the names of dummy entities, trusts, third persons, relatives of these accused and these entities were proxy of the three accused to hold these assets." It said the extradition of Mallya (65) "has been ordered by the Westminster Magistrates Court and confirmed by the UK High Court." Also read | Enforcement Directorate seizes Vijay Mallya’s asset in France worth $1.9 million "Since Mallya has been denied permission to file appeal in the UK Supreme Court, his extradition to India has become final," it added. It said Modi too has lost his extradition plea and has been in a London jail for the last 2.3 years. Choksi (62) had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda, where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen, and later surfaced in neighbouring Dominica from where India is trying to get him deported.

Enforcement Directorate says 40% loss in PNB, Mallya bank fraud cases recovered

The Indian authorities have described fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Indian citizen in its affidavit filed in Dominican high court, saying that his application for renunciation of citizenship was 'rejected'.

India to Dominica court: Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen

"Mehul Choksi is an Indian citizen and his application for renunciation of Indian citizenship was rejected. He is erroneously claiming renunciation of the Indian Citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955," the affidavit said.

Mehul Choksi's claim of renouncing Indian citizenship bogus: India

India, in an affidavit filled in Dominica Court, has said that fugitive businessman&nbsp;Mehul Choksi is "still" an Indian citizen and has opposed his bail.

The affidavit details how Choksi's "declaration of renunciation" of Indian citizenship was not accepted by the Indian government and "citizenship of Mehul Choksi may be decided as Indian".

In the affidavit filed on June 8 at the high court of justice, Dominica said, "The Indian citizenship of Mr MC has still not ceased as on date and therefore, his claim of renunciation of Indian citizenship is contrary to the laws in India as is completely erroneous", adding, "the claim of Mr MC being bogus, this Honourable court may kindly reject the said erroneous claim at the threshold".

The document, seen by WION, pointed out that Choksi had submitted his Indian passport to Indian High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana for renouncing his Indian citizenship on December 14, 2018.&nbsp;

Under Section 8 of the Indian citizenship act, 1955, the declaration of renunciation should be registered and only then "a person shall cease to be a citizen of India". Read with Rule 38 of the act, the declaration of registration has to be made to India's ministry of home affairs through the Indian mission.&nbsp;

While he did submit his passport, the Indian home ministry on January 29, 2019 "found deficiencies in the declaration and also "noted that Mr MC was an economic fugitive offender", advising Indian mission in Guyana to "consider rejection of his declaration of renunciation".

Ministry of external affairs also in a letter dated&nbsp;October 15, 2019, confirmed that his application of&nbsp;renunciation stood rejected by the Indian High Commission in Guyana and had communicated him on March 15, 2019.

The affidavit stated,"no entries regarding the application for surrender of Indian nationality were made in the consular register of the mission". This was further confirmed by MHA in its official memorandum on May 31, 2021.

His Indian passport, number Z3396732 was issued on&nbsp;September 10, 2015 from Mumbai. He acquired his Antigua and Barbuda nationality on&nbsp;November 16, 2017 with passport number AB007713.&nbsp;The Indian side in the affidavit also said that "concerned authorities may be directed to immediately transfer/deport/handover Mr Mehul Choksi to the Indian&nbsp;authorities".

India, in an affidavit filled in Dominica Court, has said that fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is "still" an Indian citizen and has opposed his bail. The affidavit details how Choksi's "declaration of renunciation" of Indian citizenship was not accepted by the Indian government and "citizenship of Mehul Choksi may be decided as Indian".

India, in an affidavit filled in Dominica Court, has said that fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is "still" an Indian citizen and has opposed his bail. The affidavit details how Choksi's "declaration of renunciation" of Indian citizenship was not accepted by the Indian government and "citizenship of Mehul Choksi may be decided as Indian". In the affidavit filed on June 8 at the high court of justice, Dominica said, "The Indian citizenship of Mr MC has still not ceased as on date and therefore, his claim of renunciation of Indian citizenship is contrary to the laws in India as is completely erroneous", adding, "the claim of Mr MC being bogus, this Honourable court may kindly reject the said erroneous claim at the threshold". The document, seen by WION, pointed out that Choksi had submitted his Indian passport to Indian High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana for renouncing his Indian citizenship on December 14, 2018. Under Section 8 of the Indian citizenship act, 1955, the declaration of renunciation should be registered and only then "a person shall cease to be a citizen of India". Read with Rule 38 of the act, the declaration of registration has to be made to India's ministry of home affairs through the Indian mission. While he did submit his passport, the Indian home ministry on January 29, 2019 "found deficiencies in the declaration and also "noted that Mr MC was an economic fugitive offender", advising Indian mission in Guyana to "consider rejection of his declaration of renunciation". Ministry of external affairs also in a letter dated October 15, 2019, confirmed that his application of renunciation stood rejected by the Indian High Commission in Guyana and had communicated him on March 15, 2019. The affidavit stated,"no entries regarding the application for surrender of Indian nationality were made in the consular register of the mission". This was further confirmed by MHA in its official memorandum on May 31, 2021. His Indian passport, number Z3396732 was issued on September 10, 2015 from Mumbai. He acquired his Antigua and Barbuda nationality on November 16, 2017 with passport number AB007713. The Indian side in the affidavit also said that "concerned authorities may be directed to immediately transfer/deport/handover Mr Mehul Choksi to the Indian authorities".

Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen, India tells Dominica court

The Dominica High Court has denied bail to Mehul Choksi in the case of illegal entry into the island country after his mysterious disappearance from neighbouring Antigua and Barbuda.

Dominica High Court denies bail to fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi

The Dominica High Court has denied bail to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi in the case of illegal entry into the island country after his mysterious disappearance from neighbouring Antigua and Barbuda where he is staying as a citizen since 2018, local Caribbean media reported. 
 
The high court on Friday gave the ruling by concluding that Choksi was a "flight risk", did not have any ties with Dominica and the court could not impose any conditions which will stop him from leaving the country, news outlet AntiguaNewsroom said. 
 
Choksi had approached the high court after the magistrate had rejected his bail petition. 
 
The 62-year old diamantaire, who has an Interpol Red Notice against him, had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen after fleeing from India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dominica-declares-fugitive-mehul-choksi-a-prohibited-immigrant-390740/amp">Also Read |&nbsp;Dominica declares fugitive Mehul Choksi a 'prohibited immigrant'</a> 
 
He was detained in the neighbouring island country of Dominica for illegal entry after a possible romantic escapade with his rumoured girlfriend. 
 
Choksi's lawyers had filed a habeas corpus petition calling his arrest illegal and alleging that he was abducted, tortured and handed over to Dominica authority to deny him rights available to him in Antigua and Barbuda as a citizen. 
 
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the External Affairs Ministry have sought to implead in the habeas corpus petition by filing two affidavits in the Dominica High Court, officials said here. 
 
The central agency will focus on establishing criminal culpability of Choksi, fugitive status, pending warrants against him, Red Notice and charge sheets, while the External Affairs Ministry will argue that Choksi continues to be an Indian citizen, they said. 
 
The affidavits, if admitted, will pave way for noted lawyer Harish Salve to plead an Indian case in Dominica, they said. 
 
Choksi, promoter of Geetanjali Gems and other famous diamond brands in India, had fled the country weeks before Rs 13,500 crore fraud in Punjab National Bank (PNB) allegedly involving him and his nephew Nirav Modi surfaced. 
 
His lawyers alleged that he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by policemen looking like Antiguan and Indian and brought to Dominica on a boat. 
 
Choksi was also brought before a Roseau magistrate, on the orders of High Court Judge Bernie Stephenson, hearing the habeas corpus matter, to answer charges of illegal entry where he pleaded not guilty but was denied bail. 
 
His lawyer in London Michael Polak has filed a complaint with Scotland Yard seeking a probe into the alleged abduction and torture of his client. 
 
Polak said Choksi was removed from Antigua and Barbuda, whereas a citizen he enjoys rights to approach the British Privy Council as the last resort in cases on his citizenship and extradition, to Dominica where these rights are not available to him. 
 
"The aim was to remove him from Antigua to Dominica to diminish his protection under the law. Choksi has ongoing proceedings in Antigua in regards to attempts by the prime minister to remove his citizenship, the only citizenship that he possesses, and to extradite him to India," he had said.

The Dominica High Court has denied bail to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi in the case of illegal entry into the island country after his mysterious disappearance from neighbouring Antigua and Barbuda where he is staying as a citizen since 2018, local Caribbean media reported.

The Dominica High Court has denied bail to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi in the case of illegal entry into the island country after his mysterious disappearance from neighbouring Antigua and Barbuda where he is staying as a citizen since 2018, local Caribbean media reported. The high court on Friday gave the ruling by concluding that Choksi was a "flight risk", did not have any ties with Dominica and the court could not impose any conditions which will stop him from leaving the country, news outlet AntiguaNewsroom said. Choksi had approached the high court after the magistrate had rejected his bail petition. The 62-year old diamantaire, who has an Interpol Red Notice against him, had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen after fleeing from India. Also Read | Dominica declares fugitive Mehul Choksi a 'prohibited immigrant' He was detained in the neighbouring island country of Dominica for illegal entry after a possible romantic escapade with his rumoured girlfriend. Choksi's lawyers had filed a habeas corpus petition calling his arrest illegal and alleging that he was abducted, tortured and handed over to Dominica authority to deny him rights available to him in Antigua and Barbuda as a citizen. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the External Affairs Ministry have sought to implead in the habeas corpus petition by filing two affidavits in the Dominica High Court, officials said here. The central agency will focus on establishing criminal culpability of Choksi, fugitive status, pending warrants against him, Red Notice and charge sheets, while the External Affairs Ministry will argue that Choksi continues to be an Indian citizen, they said. The affidavits, if admitted, will pave way for noted lawyer Harish Salve to plead an Indian case in Dominica, they said. Choksi, promoter of Geetanjali Gems and other famous diamond brands in India, had fled the country weeks before Rs 13,500 crore fraud in Punjab National Bank (PNB) allegedly involving him and his nephew Nirav Modi surfaced. His lawyers alleged that he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by policemen looking like Antiguan and Indian and brought to Dominica on a boat. Choksi was also brought before a Roseau magistrate, on the orders of High Court Judge Bernie Stephenson, hearing the habeas corpus matter, to answer charges of illegal entry where he pleaded not guilty but was denied bail. His lawyer in London Michael Polak has filed a complaint with Scotland Yard seeking a probe into the alleged abduction and torture of his client. Polak said Choksi was removed from Antigua and Barbuda, whereas a citizen he enjoys rights to approach the British Privy Council as the last resort in cases on his citizenship and extradition, to Dominica where these rights are not available to him. "The aim was to remove him from Antigua to Dominica to diminish his protection under the law. Choksi has ongoing proceedings in Antigua in regards to attempts by the prime minister to remove his citizenship, the only citizenship that he possesses, and to extradite him to India," he had said.

Mehul Choksi denied bail by Dominican high court

The Dominican government has reportedly declared fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as a 'prohibited immigrant'. Watch the report to know more.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi declared 'prohibited immigrant'

The Dominican government has reportedly declared fugitive Mehul Choksi as a "prohibited immigrant". The order was issued by the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs. The development is expected to strengthen India's case.

Dominica declares fugitive Mehul Choksi a 'prohibited immigrant'

The Dominican government has declared Indian economic fugitive Mehul Choksi as a "prohibited immigrant" in their country.

"In line with section 5(1)(f) of the Immigration and Passport Act Chapter 18:01 of the 2017 Revised Statutes of the Commonwealth of Dominica, you, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi, are hereby proclaimed a prohibited immigrant," the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs said in a statement on May 25.&nbsp;

"I further direct that the necessary action is being taken to have the said prohibited immigrant removed from the Commonwealth of Dominica in keeping with the procedure laid out in the said Act," added the order, signed by Dominican minister Rayburn Blackmoore. 
 
Watch | Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi discloses names of abductors to Antigua police

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Choksi's lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, had claimed last week that Choksi did not enter Dominica illegally and that the authorities there cannot arrest him since he is not a "prohibited immigrant."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gurjit Bhandal, one of the persons reportedly named in the "abduction" of Mehul Choksi from Antigua and Barbuda on May 23, has denied any link to the case and claimed that he had left the Caribbean island on May 23 morning on a yacht, according to local media reports.

In his complaint to the Antigua police, Choksi had claimed that he was abducted on May 23 evening when he had gone to a place where his "friend" Barbara Jabarica, also a suspect in the case, was staying.&nbsp;

He had named Gurmit Singh, Narendar Singh, Jabarica and other unidentified persons for his alleged abduction.&nbsp; 
 
Choksi has been granted interim relief from urgent repatriation to India by a Dominican court, which has delayed the case.

Choksi went missing from Antigua and Barbuda on May 23, sparking a huge manhunt. On May 26, he was reportedly apprehended in Dominica.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Dominican government has declared Indian economic fugitive Mehul Choksi as a "prohibited immigrant" in their country. "In line with section 5(1)(f) of the Immigration and Passport Act Chapter 18:01 of the 2017 Revised Statutes of the Commonwealth of Dominica, you, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi, are hereby proclaimed a prohibited immigrant," the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs said in a statement on May 25.

The Dominican government has declared Indian economic fugitive Mehul Choksi as a "prohibited immigrant" in their country. "In line with section 5(1)(f) of the Immigration and Passport Act Chapter 18:01 of the 2017 Revised Statutes of the Commonwealth of Dominica, you, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi, are hereby proclaimed a prohibited immigrant," the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs said in a statement on May 25. "I further direct that the necessary action is being taken to have the said prohibited immigrant removed from the Commonwealth of Dominica in keeping with the procedure laid out in the said Act," added the order, signed by Dominican minister Rayburn Blackmoore. Watch | Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi discloses names of abductors to Antigua police Choksi's lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, had claimed last week that Choksi did not enter Dominica illegally and that the authorities there cannot arrest him since he is not a "prohibited immigrant." Meanwhile, Gurjit Bhandal, one of the persons reportedly named in the "abduction" of Mehul Choksi from Antigua and Barbuda on May 23, has denied any link to the case and claimed that he had left the Caribbean island on May 23 morning on a yacht, according to local media reports. In his complaint to the Antigua police, Choksi had claimed that he was abducted on May 23 evening when he had gone to a place where his "friend" Barbara Jabarica, also a suspect in the case, was staying. He had named Gurmit Singh, Narendar Singh, Jabarica and other unidentified persons for his alleged abduction. Choksi has been granted interim relief from urgent repatriation to India by a Dominican court, which has delayed the case. Choksi went missing from Antigua and Barbuda on May 23, sparking a huge manhunt. On May 26, he was reportedly apprehended in Dominica. (With inputs from agencies)

Dominica declares Indian fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi a 'prohibited immigrant'

Barbara Jarabica&nbsp;whose name has cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case has said that she wasn't present in the area at the time of his alleged kidnapping.&nbsp;

Choksi who is allegedly involved in the multi-crore PNB scam disappeared from Antigua on May 23 only to surface in neighbouring Dominica.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION,&nbsp;Barbara said, "On May 23, Sunday, we went to have breakfast in&nbsp;Carlisle Bay which is a hotel resort in south Antigua and he picked me up in&nbsp;Jolly Harbour", explaining, "we had breakfast and conversation, coffee" and "we came back to Jolly harbour at around 11:30 or 12 o'clock, this was the last time I saw him."

Recalling his conversation, Barbara&nbsp;said, "He said that he is really disappointed, and can't believe that I am leaving Antigua and he was trying to convince me to say but I told him that I will go to the airport in the afternoon, will be going to Dominica and go back to Europe."

Mehul Choksi, 62, in the complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda had listed Barbara Jabarica along with others to be&nbsp;involved in his alleged "kidnapping" which&nbsp;hasn't been proved yet. In the five-page complaint&nbsp;dated June 2, he said "8-10 heavily muscled men" had taken him from her house at 5.15pm local time.

Barbara, in response to WION's question, said, "around 3 o' clock, I left and went to the airport. He is saying he was kidnapped in the afternoon..its busy time, daytime and busy area and at that time I was going to the airport".

"Why would I kidnap him in the middle of day,&nbsp;in the busiest time like 4 or 5pm", she asked, while questioning, "something does not add up".

In the thirty-minute conversation,&nbsp;Barbara gave details of her contact with Choksi since last August 2020 and said she knew him as "Raj". During the yearlong contact, Choksi had spoken to her many times and also gifted her a diamond ring which turned out to be fake.&nbsp;

Asked if she knew about his past, "now I am finding out, he lied a lot" and " introduced himself as&nbsp;Raj" and "wherever we went, everyone called him "Raj", while pointing out that "if I knew&nbsp;his real background, I would have never hung out with him".

She also clarified that she is not a national of any Caribbean country and is a European.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barbara Jarabica whose name has cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case has said that she wasn't present in the area at the time of his alleged kidnapping. Choksi who is allegedly involved in the multi-crore PNB scam disappeared from Antigua on May 23 only to surface in neighbouring Dominica.

Barbara Jarabica whose name has cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case has said that she wasn't present in the area at the time of his alleged kidnapping. Choksi who is allegedly involved in the multi-crore PNB scam disappeared from Antigua on May 23 only to surface in neighbouring Dominica. Speaking to WION, Barbara said, "On May 23, Sunday, we went to have breakfast in Carlisle Bay which is a hotel resort in south Antigua and he picked me up in Jolly Harbour", explaining, "we had breakfast and conversation, coffee" and "we came back to Jolly harbour at around 11:30 or 12 o'clock, this was the last time I saw him." Recalling his conversation, Barbara said, "He said that he is really disappointed, and can't believe that I am leaving Antigua and he was trying to convince me to say but I told him that I will go to the airport in the afternoon, will be going to Dominica and go back to Europe." Mehul Choksi, 62, in the complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda had listed Barbara Jabarica along with others to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping" which hasn't been proved yet. In the five-page complaint dated June 2, he said "8-10 heavily muscled men" had taken him from her house at 5.15pm local time. Barbara, in response to WION's question, said, "around 3 o' clock, I left and went to the airport. He is saying he was kidnapped in the afternoon..its busy time, daytime and busy area and at that time I was going to the airport". "Why would I kidnap him in the middle of day, in the busiest time like 4 or 5pm", she asked, while questioning, "something does not add up". In the thirty-minute conversation, Barbara gave details of her contact with Choksi since last August 2020 and said she knew him as "Raj". During the yearlong contact, Choksi had spoken to her many times and also gifted her a diamond ring which turned out to be fake. Asked if she knew about his past, "now I am finding out, he lied a lot" and " introduced himself as Raj" and "wherever we went, everyone called him "Raj", while pointing out that "if I knew his real background, I would have never hung out with him". She also clarified that she is not a national of any Caribbean country and is a European.

Wasn't present in the area, says Barbara Jarabica on Mehul Choksi's alleged abduction

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's alleged girlfriend Barbara Jarabica has denied her role in kidnapping. Barbara said that she wasn't in Antigua on day of kidnapping. Watch this report to know more.

Mehul Choksi's alleged girlfriend denies role in kidnapping

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi disclosed the names of his alleged abductors to Antiguan police. Antigua police have commenced an investigation into the possible abduction of Mehul Choksi from Antigua on May 23.

Fugitive Mehul Choksi breaks silence, reveals names of abductors

Mehul Choksi,62, wanted in the multi-crore PNB scam, has filed a complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda and listed Barbara Jabarica, Narendra Singh, Arminder Singh, Gurmit Singh and "unknown persons" to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping".&nbsp;

In the five-page complaint dated June 2, Choksi has detailed the ordeal under which he was alleged to have been taken from Antigua to Dominica and the role played by Barabara.

<img alt="Mehul Choksi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="406fe1c4-758c-4952-8b4a-38ae15f5b18d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_39.jpg" />

In the letter he said, "during this entire ordeal, Ms Jabarica did not even attempt to help me or assist in any other way by calling for help from outside" and "she was an integral part of this entire scheme to kidnap me". &nbsp;

Giving details, he said&nbsp;he was taken from her house by "8-10 heavily muscled men" who appeared from all the "entrances" and claimed to be Antiguan police. The men, Choksi in the complaint said, "continued to beat me mercilessly with bare hands" and took his cell phone, Rolex watch and wallet.&nbsp;

He explained how he was taken using a boat on which there "appeared to be two&nbsp;Indians onboard and three&nbsp;persons of Caribbean descent".

He also made several allegations in the complain&nbsp;including that he was "brought to a special location to give an interview to a high ranking Indian politician" and his "citizenship would be fixed..would be soon repatriated to India".

He claimed he was "received" by a "battery of police with the chief of police on the port" in Dominica and he was "caught" because of the Interpol Red Corner Notice.

Choksi also mentioned the conditions at the "holding cell" in the police station where he was lodged which he said "did not even have the basic necessities of a mattress and was barely 20 sq feet in size".

Over the weekend the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne had&nbsp;confirmed that he has sent the complaint to his country's police authorities.

Choksi languishes in Dominica even as his petition of Habeas corpus, illegal entry into the country and bail application has been&nbsp;taken up by the country.

Mehul Choksi,62, wanted in the multi-crore PNB scam, has filed a complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda and listed Barbara Jabarica, Narendra Singh, Arminder Singh, Gurmit Singh and "unknown persons" to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping".

Mehul Choksi,62, wanted in the multi-crore PNB scam, has filed a complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda and listed Barbara Jabarica, Narendra Singh, Arminder Singh, Gurmit Singh and "unknown persons" to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping". In the five-page complaint dated June 2, Choksi has detailed the ordeal under which he was alleged to have been taken from Antigua to Dominica and the role played by Barabara. In the letter he said, "during this entire ordeal, Ms Jabarica did not even attempt to help me or assist in any other way by calling for help from outside" and "she was an integral part of this entire scheme to kidnap me". Giving details, he said he was taken from her house by "8-10 heavily muscled men" who appeared from all the "entrances" and claimed to be Antiguan police. The men, Choksi in the complaint said, "continued to beat me mercilessly with bare hands" and took his cell phone, Rolex watch and wallet. He explained how he was taken using a boat on which there "appeared to be two Indians onboard and three persons of Caribbean descent". He also made several allegations in the complain including that he was "brought to a special location to give an interview to a high ranking Indian politician" and his "citizenship would be fixed..would be soon repatriated to India". He claimed he was "received" by a "battery of police with the chief of police on the port" in Dominica and he was "caught" because of the Interpol Red Corner Notice. Choksi also mentioned the conditions at the "holding cell" in the police station where he was lodged which he said "did not even have the basic necessities of a mattress and was barely 20 sq feet in size". Over the weekend the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne had confirmed that he has sent the complaint to his country's police authorities. Choksi languishes in Dominica even as his petition of Habeas corpus, illegal entry into the country and bail application has been taken up by the country.

Mehul Choksi files complaint with Antigua police; says Barabara 'integral' part of kidnap plot

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi disclosed the names of his alleged abductors to Antiguan police. Antigua police have commenced an investigation into the alleged abduction of Choksi from Antigua on May 23.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi discloses names of abductors to Antigua police

The mystery surrounding Barbara Jarabica has deepened with the London School of Economics now saying there was no student with that name at the institution.

Jarabica is the mystery women whose name cropped up in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-make-all-efforts-to-bring-mehul-choksi-back-india-389250">Mehul Choksi</a> case and she has been alleged to have played a key role in his movement from Antigua to Dominica.

In response to WION's question, LSE said, "We have checked our files but have no record of someone named Barbara Jarabica graduating from LSE or studying for a degree at LSE."

According to the LinkedIn account of Jarabica, she studied at LSE. But once her account became public, the display picture and the fact that she studied at LSE were deleted. The changes happened within 24 hours. Only her LinkedIn account saw changes, while her Instagram and Twitter account remained untouched. &nbsp;

Earlier speaking to WION, Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, spoke on the credentials of Barbara Jarabica and pointed out that she is "not traceable".

Priti told WION, "She claims to be someone that works on house renovation, and she would come down to Antigua two&nbsp;or three&nbsp;times -she came in August, April and now in May" and asserted that "she has never met her".

The mystery surrounding Barbara Jarabica has deepened with the London School of Economics now saying there was no student with that name at the institution. Jarabica is the mystery women whose name cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case and she has been alleged to have played a key role in his movement from Antigua to Dominica.

The mystery surrounding Barbara Jarabica has deepened with the London School of Economics now saying there was no student with that name at the institution. Jarabica is the mystery women whose name cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case and she has been alleged to have played a key role in his movement from Antigua to Dominica. In response to WION's question, LSE said, "We have checked our files but have no record of someone named Barbara Jarabica graduating from LSE or studying for a degree at LSE." According to the LinkedIn account of Jarabica, she studied at LSE. But once her account became public, the display picture and the fact that she studied at LSE were deleted. The changes happened within 24 hours. Only her LinkedIn account saw changes, while her Instagram and Twitter account remained untouched. Earlier speaking to WION, Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, spoke on the credentials of Barbara Jarabica and pointed out that she is "not traceable". Priti told WION, "She claims to be someone that works on house renovation, and she would come down to Antigua two or three times -she came in August, April and now in May" and asserted that "she has never met her".

Choksi case: Mystery deepens as London School of Economics says no info on Barbara Jarabica

A High Court in Dominica has adjourned the fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi's court matter. Choksi's attorney had raised questions over whether Choksi's detention was lawful.

Dominica high court adjourns Mehul Choksi's matter, his attorney questions detention

A magistrate court in Dominica has rejected fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's bail appeal. Following a high court order, he pleaded not guilty to allegations of illegal entry into the Caribbean island nation.

Dominica courts denies bail to Mehul Choksi

In the first official reaction by the Indian government on Mehul Choksi development, the ministry of external affairs has said all efforts will be made to bring him back. Choksi&nbsp;is involved in the multi-crore PNB scam and is in Dominica facing trial for illegally entering the country.

"India remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that fugitives are brought back to India to face justice," the MEA spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/where-is-barbara-jarabica-asks-priti-choksi-wife-of-mehul-choksi-389084" hreflang="en">Where is Barbara Jarabica, asks Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi</a>

"We understand that he is currently in the custody of Dominican authorities and certain legal proceedings are underway. We will continue to make all efforts that he is brought back to India," Bagchi said, talking specifically about Choksi.

Choksi had fled to Antigua after the fraud and taken the citizenship of the country. In May, he mysteriously disappeared only to be found in Dominica. India has sent a plane with legal documents that could help in his early repatriation from the Caribbean country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-mehul-choksi-denied-bail-by-magistrate-court-on-charges-of-illegal-entry-into-dominica-389110" hreflang="en">PNB scam: Mehul Choksi denied bail by magistrate court on charges of illegal entry into Dominica</a>

This movement from Antigua to Dominica has come under the spotlight as lawyers claim he was abducted while local authorities in Antigua say he went on his own accord.

On Wednesday, he was presented before a magistrate court where he pleaded not guilty for illegally entering the country.

In the first official reaction by the Indian government on Mehul Choksi development, the ministry of external affairs has said all efforts will be made to bring him back.

In the first official reaction by the Indian government on Mehul Choksi development, the ministry of external affairs has said all efforts will be made to bring him back. Choksi is involved in the multi-crore PNB scam and is in Dominica facing trial for illegally entering the country. "India remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that fugitives are brought back to India to face justice," the MEA spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said. Also read | Where is Barbara Jarabica, asks Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi "We understand that he is currently in the custody of Dominican authorities and certain legal proceedings are underway. We will continue to make all efforts that he is brought back to India," Bagchi said, talking specifically about Choksi. Choksi had fled to Antigua after the fraud and taken the citizenship of the country. In May, he mysteriously disappeared only to be found in Dominica. India has sent a plane with legal documents that could help in his early repatriation from the Caribbean country. Also read | PNB scam: Mehul Choksi denied bail by magistrate court on charges of illegal entry into Dominica This movement from Antigua to Dominica has come under the spotlight as lawyers claim he was abducted while local authorities in Antigua say he went on his own accord. On Wednesday, he was presented before a magistrate court where he pleaded not guilty for illegally entering the country.

Will make all efforts to bring Mehul Choksi back: India

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