Mehul gives up Indian Citizenship, surrenders passport in Antigua

Mehul and nephew Nirav Modi are alleged of Rs. 13,000 crore fraud involving fake guarantees in the name of Punjab National Bank. Both of them fled the country last year.

Saima Siddiqui
Published on: 21 Jan 2019 8:33 AM GMT
Mehul gives up Indian Citizenship, surrenders passport in Antigua
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Mehul Choksi abandons Indian Citizenship, surrenders passport in Antigua

St. John's/Caribbean Sea: The Indian fugitive businessman, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi residing in Antigua and Barbuda, has abandoned the citizenship of India and surrendered his passport to Antigua to evade repatriation as he is being seeked by various companies for loan fraud.

However, Foreign Ministry has said that Mehul cannot have dual citizenship, while Antigua is conducting a hearing of India's case on Mehul's extradition.

ALSO READ: Non-bailable warrants issued against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi

Judicial Authorities of India for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and dishonesty including delivery of property, corruption and money laundering.

Renegade businessman submitted 177 dollars along with his passport (Z- 3396732) to Indian High Commission, Antigua. As per officials his new address is Jolly Harbour Marks, Antigua.

Though India and Antigua don't have a bilateral extradition pact, yet Indian government is trying to bring back the businessman, under the law of the island country that allows it to send back a fugitive to the Commonwealth nation.

The billionaire was granted the citizenship of Barbuda and Antigua in January 2018 and took oath as a citizen on Jan 15. After two weeks the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a case against Mehul and his nephew on January 29 regarding his loan fraud.

ALSO READ: PNB fraud: Passports of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi revoked

Mehul and nephew Nirav Modi are alleged of Rs. 13,000 crore fraud involving fake guarantees in the name of Punjab National Bank. Both of them fled the country last year.

Earlier, he had told a Mumbai court that he cannot travel to India due to his ailing condition. He also accused the Enforcement Directorate of not telling the government that he is ready to clear his dues.

Choksi owns a branded jewellery chain, Gitanjali Group, which includes Gitanjali Gems. Choksi is also the maternal uncle of billionaire Nirav Modi, who has been in wanted list since August 2018, by the Interpol for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and dishonesty including delivery of property, corruption, money laundering, fraud, embezzlement and breach of contract.

ALSO READ: DRT serves notices to Nirav Modi, family to recover Rs 7,000 cr

Saima Siddiqui

Saima Siddiqui

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