Antigua PM gives Indian authorities the go-ahead to investigate Mehul Choksi

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Sep 26, 2019

The Prime Minster of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has given Indian authorities the go-ahead to investigate accused jewellery tycoon Mehul Choksi and has called him a “crook”.

"[We have] got subsequent information that Mehul Choksi is a crook, he does not add value to our country,” Browne told Asian News International on September 25. “He will be deported ultimately after he exhausts appeals. Indian officials are free to investigate based on his willingness to participate."

Choksi has already officially stated that he is residing in Antigua in an affidavit he submitted on June 17 to the Bombay High Court. Choksi also stated in the affidavit that he is willing to co-operate in the investigation of his alleged fraud at the Punjab National Bank.

Choksi left India before news of the PNB fraud scandal involving him and his nephew Nirav Modi broke in the media. Choksi took citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018, through the investment route. 

Modi, who also fled India before the scandal broke, is currently being held in Wandsworth Prison in the UK and awaits the start of his extradition trial, which is planned for May 2020. Choksi and Modi’s combined alleged fraud at the PNB totals over Rs 13,500 ($2 billion).