CBI challenges removal of Red Corner Notice against Mehul Choksi

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Mar 22, 2023

The Central Bureau of Investigation has challenged Interpol’s removal of alleged jewellery fraudster Mehul Choksi from its ‘Red Corner Notice’ database. The CBI is keen to reinstate the order and bring Choksi to India to stand trial. 

The CBI has requested that the Commission for Control of Interpol’s Files reinstate the Red Corner Notice against former Gitanjali Gems promoter Choksi to aid in its efforts to extradite him to India, ET Bureau reported. Choksi’s name was taken off the database following numerous requests from Choksi’s legal team dating back to 2018. 
 
A Red Corner Notice is not necessary to have a wanted person extradited to India but it does bring the individual to the attention of the international community. The CCF is an independent body which is responsible for ensuring that Interpol’s processing of personal data is in line with Indian rules and regulations. The CCF has been clear that the removal of Choksi’s name from the Red Corner Notice list is in no way intended to allude to guilt or innocence in the ongoing fraud case against him. 

“CCF has reiterated that it has not established factual certainties and there is no factual finding in their decision that Mehul Chinubhai Choksi will not have a fair trial,” said the CBI in a statement, ET Online reported. “Based on new information and serious errors in the decision, CBI is taking steps for the decision of CCF to be revised.”