Choksi's Abduction, Honeytrap, and Fraudulent Flight

Mehul Choksi, the diamantaire accused in the massive Punjab National Bank fraud, has been embroiled in a complex saga of alleged abduction, international legal battles, and accusations of deception. The story, spanning several years and multiple countries, reveals a desperate attempt to evade justice and a web of conflicting narratives.

Choksi initially fled India in January 2018, seeking refuge in Antigua and Barbuda after the fraud – totaling over 12,636 crore – came to light. However, in May 2021, he surfaced in the Dominican Republic, arrested for illegal entry. He immediately claimed he was forcibly removed from Antigua by Indian agents, subjected to torture, and transported to the Dominican Republic by boat.

This alleged abduction quickly became entangled with the story of Barbara Jabarika, a Hungarian national. Choksi’s wife, Priti, accused Jabarika of being part of a “honeytrap” scheme. Jabarika vehemently denied these claims, stating she was Choksi’s girlfriend and financially independent. She recounted meeting Choksi in August 2020, claiming he introduced himself as “Raj” and initiated the relationship. She even suggested he had discussed potentially relocating to Cuba.

Choksi, however, painted a different picture, alleging Jabarika did nothing to help him during his ordeal and that her behavior indicated complicity in his abduction. Priti Choksi dismissed Jabarika’s account as fabricated, questioning why she remained silent amidst widespread media coverage if she truly was a friend.

After 51 days of imprisonment in the Dominican Republic, Choksi secured relief from the British Queen’s Privy Council and returned to Antigua, thwarting India’s extradition efforts. The charges against him in the Dominican Republic were subsequently dropped. In March 2023, Interpol removed a Red Notice issued against him, prompting the CBI to accuse Choksi of using “false claims” and “imaginary narratives” to obstruct justice.

Recent developments saw Indian agencies discover Choksi in Belgium. Alerting Belgian authorities, they shared documentation related to the fraud case. Choksi was arrested on Saturday while attempting to flee to Switzerland. His wife, Priti, is a Belgian citizen, and reports indicate he submitted falsified documents in an attempt to secure residency, concealing his Indian and Antiguan citizenship.

Previously, Choksi’s lawyer informed a Mumbai court that he was in Belgium for blood cancer treatment, a claim now seemingly contradicted by his attempt to flee. The lawyer intends to seek relief in Belgium based on Choksi’s health, citing concerns about “inhuman treatment” if he were to be extradited to India.

The case is a stark illustration of the lengths to which individuals accused of financial crimes will go to avoid accountability. The conflicting accounts, alleged deception, and international maneuvering raise serious questions about the pursuit of justice in complex, cross-border cases. While Choksi’s health concerns deserve consideration, the evidence suggests a calculated effort to evade prosecution, utilizing legal loopholes and potentially fabricated narratives. The situation highlights the need for robust international cooperation to ensure that those accused of serious financial crimes are held accountable, regardless of their attempts to flee or obfuscate the truth.