NEW DELHI: The Antigua Government has indicated that it may consider "a legitimate request" from India to send back the uncle of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, who has taken citizenship there, according to a newspaper report in that country. The Daily Observer today quoted a Cabinet press briefing issued by the Chief of Staff, Lionel "Max" Hurst, to state that Antigua and Barbuda government will make every effort "as per law" to honour a "legitimate" request from India.
The issue of Choksi, a fugitive from India involved in an alleged banking scam worth over USD 2 billion, getting citizenship in Antigua in November last year was discussed in a Cabinet meeting of Antigua and Barbuda government, the newspaper said.
A CBI request, India's nodal agency for Interpol matters, to issue a Red Corner Notice against Choksi is pending with the international police organisation and is likely to be granted soon.
The Cabinet underlined that they do not not have extradition treaty with India and that Choksi has not been charged for any crime, it reported.
The paper also stated that the Cabinet noted that no request has been received by the Antigua and Barbuda government for any action against Choksi.
The Citizenship by Investment unit of Antigua faced criticism from the paper for allowing Choksi to get passport of Antigua in November last year. The unit had informed the paper that Choksi's request was allowed after "due "due diligence" and detailed background check from Interpol.
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