EXCLUSIVE: Dominica to send Mehul Choksi back to Antigua

Roseau, Dominica: Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi arrested in Dominica will be sent back to Antigua and Barbuda, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has revealed to WIC News correspondent in the country. Earlier, there were speculations that Mehul Choksi could be sent to India as the country sought his extradition; however, early Thursday morning the recent revelation by the Dominican authorities confirmed that he will be sent back to his home country (Antigua and Barbuda). [caption id="attachment_34929" align="alignleft" width="2402"] Mehul Choksi arrested in Dominica[/caption]

“Choksi would be charged with illegally entering Dominica and by the rule of law, he will be sent back to his home country Antigua and Barbuda, where he holds citizenship for the past four years,” the officials told WIC News.

Officials also confirmed that Choksi entered the country through seaways.

He is wanted in a US $2 billion fraud case against Punjab National Bank (PNB). Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne had earlier stated that he is communicating with the Indian High Commissioner in Guyana seeking his extradition to India. Browne noted that Choksi has defamed the Citizenship by Investment Programme and is a liability to the country.

Mehul Choksi had gone missing from Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday evening; after 24-hours, some persons from his home filed a missing report in the country.

After 48-hours of being missing, Choksi was captured by the Dominican police from Canefield, where he was arrested and charged for illegally entering/staying in the country, following the issuance of Interpol Yellow Notice by Antigua and Barbuda. The investigations later revealed that he was attempting to go to Cuba via seaways, and he didn't plan to stay in Dominica for long.

[caption id="attachment_34863" align="alignleft" width="1066"] Image of Govin[/caption] The Caribbean Island of Dominica is often used as an illegal route to counties like Cuba and the even United States by illegal immigrants. A few weeks ago, authorities had captured around 17 Indians while making similar attempts. Mehul Choksi's close-aide Govin had told media earlier that the diamantaire owns a safe house in Cuba, where he wanted to stay in order to run away from possible extradition to India. According to information, the law enforcement agencies of Antigua and Barbuda, India have been in constant communication with the Dominican authorities. Read More.