CBI hopeful of deporting Mehul from Caribbean

Mumbai: Despite Mehul Choksi, a fugitive jeweller who is a key accused in the PNB bank fraud case, having moved to tax haven Antigua from the US, the CBI is hopeful that the absence of an extradition treaty with the Caribbean country would not be a hindrance in getting him back to India to face trial in the case. CBI sources said that Antigua authorities would be convinced of the need to deport him on the basis of case evidence.

After US authorities informed the ministry of external affairs about Mr Choksi's departure for Antigua, the CBI wrote to Antigua's authorities seeking more details about his whereabouts. Mr Choksi allegedly acquired the Antigua passport late in November 2017, at a time the bank fraud case had not been detected.

“Even if there is no extradition treaty with Antigua, the option of deportation is there, and is possible if the authorities in Antigua are taken in confidence,” said a CBI source. He added, “The CBI has a strong case against accused Mehul Choksi and we would try to convince authorities in Antigua for his deportation, once RCN against him is issued by Interpol.”

The Interpol had earlier sought four clarifications from the CBI on its request for the issuance of a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Choksi. A RCN warrants a subject’s detention globally. The Interpol had asked the validity of warrants issued against Mr Choksi, whether an open or restricted RCN was being sought, Mr Choksi’s alleged role in the case and any additional fact against him.

The CBI had sent the information to Interpol. The Interpol has sought no fresh clarification. “We are expecting the RCN’s issuance soon,” said the CBI source. The CBI is probing the PNB fraud case related to the alleged fraudulent issuance of LoUs of `12,000 crore to firms allegedly controlled by Choksi and Nirav Modi.