In a big setback to Mehul Choksi, a Belgian court has confirmed that the crimes cited by India in the extradition case of the fugitive diamond trader are also recognised as offences under Belgian law. The court noted that Choksi, a foreign national, faces extradition under the Belgian Extradition Act of 1874.

Last week, the Court of Appeals in Antwerp approved Choksi's extradition to India and ruled that his arrest by Belgian police earlier this year was valid. The 66-year-old was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11 , following a formal request from Indian authorities.

He has been lodged in a Belgian prison since then, with his multiple bail pleas rejected on grounds that he posed a flight risk.

In its order dated October 17, the Chamber of Accusation at the Court of Appeals note

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