New Delhi, July 27: Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud accused Mehul Choksi has confirmed his Antigua citizenship in a statement issued by him. According to reports, Choksi has said in the statement, "I am a lawful citizen of Antigua." Choksi has also said that he had visited the United States in January this year to "undergo treatment" as he was "unwell". The government of Antigua has also confirmed Choksi's presence in the country.

"I lawfully applied to be registered as citizen of Antigua and Barbuda under the citizenship by investment program. My application was in due course approved. My application was motivated by my desire to expand my business interest," Choksi said in his statement.

The Antigua Government has also reportedly indicated that it may consider "a legitimate request" from India to send back Choski, the aide of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi.

The Central Bureau of Investigation had on Wednesday said it had written to the Antiguan authorities seeking details of Mehul Choksi’s whereabouts in connection with the Rs 13,500 crore fraud case.

According to reports, the query had been sent as a follow-up to the “diffusion notice” issued through the Interpol seeking information on Choksi’s location.  However, the red corner notice (RCN) request from the CBI to the Interpol against Choksi is still pending.

The ED has been probing two cases of money laundering against Choksi, Nirav Modi and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of FIR registered by the CBI.  The ED had on May 24 and May 26 filed chargesheets against Choksi and Modi.

The court took cognisance of the chargesheets and issued a non-bailable warrant against both the of them.  On the request of the ED and the CBI, the Interpol had earlier issued RCN against Nirav Modi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2018 10:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).