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Diamond fugitive Mehul Choksi, involved in more than two billion scams at the Punjab National Bank, claims to have acquired the nationality of Antigua last year to expand his business, the pbadport of the Caribbean nation offering visa-free travel to 132 countries. in Antigua reported. In a statement issued by his lawyer David Dorsett on behalf of the diamond dealer, Choksi said that there was no truth in the Indian government's allegations, reports the Daily Observer, an Antigua newspaper.
Choksi who was allegedly partnering the crime of his nephew Nirav Modi in bank fraud refused to say anything further on the issue, on the advice of his lawyers.
"I can, however, declare that I have legally asked to be registered as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda as part of the Citizenship by Investment Program. During my application I did everything that was legally required of me. My citizenship application was approved in a timely manner, "said the statement published in the newspaper.
Choksi took the citizenship of Antigua in November 2017, an oath of allegiance on January 15 of this year, according to a local newspaper, Antigua Observer.
"My request was motivated by my desire to develop my Caribbean interest and obtain visa-free access to about 130 countries," the statement said, adding that he was in the United States in January 2018.
"Having received treatment, I am still recovering.That said, I decided to reside in Antigua and Barbuda."
After the emergence of Choksi in the country Caribbean in July and obtaining a local pbadport, the CBI wrote to the anti-Ugandan authorities to find out where they were. In its communication sent to the Antigua Authority, the CBI cited the release notice issued by Interpol against the fugitive businessman and asked for details on its movement and current location.
The Government of Antigua has indicated that it may consider "a legitimate claim" from India to return Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.
Nirav Modi and Choksi are the subject of an investigation by the ED and the CBI after being detected that they allegedly misled the National Bank of Punjab by more than Rs 13,400 crore with the alleged involvement of some of the lender's employees.
The scam, which allegedly began in 2011, was detected in January of this year, after which PNB officials reported Choksi and Nirav Modi fled to India in January. this year nearly fifteen days before the discovery of the scam.
The actions of Choksi show that he had planned his escape and his life in advance knowing that the scam was going to explode. after the retirement of Gokulnath Shetty, a PNB employee, who would have helped renew the letters of engagement, sources said.
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