Wednesday, 19 August 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Mehul Choksi's Lawyer Detained in London

Vijay Aggarwal, lawyer of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, detained in London over immigration violations. Alleged work-permit breaches and large cash seizure under investigation.

Mumbai Alert · World Desk
Mumbai Alert · World Desk
World Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Wed, 19 August 2026 at 01:01 pm
Mehul Choksi's Lawyer Detained in London

Vijay Aggarwal, a prominent Indian criminal defence lawyer, has been detained by British immigration authorities in London over alleged immigration and work-permit violations. The detention occurred during an inspection of a property in London's Mayfair area, following a complaint from the landlord.

Aggarwal is best known for representing Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamantaire wanted in India in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case. The lawyer has represented Choksi in multiple jurisdictions, including cases before the Bombay High Court and in Belgium, where Choksi was arrested.

The UK immigration officials allegedly found Aggarwal undertaking professional work in Britain without the necessary permissions. A significant amount of cash was also seized during the inspection, and the source of the money is under investigation. Several junior lawyers associated with Aggarwal's firm were present at the property during the inspection.

Aggarwal's legal work has focused on opposing efforts to extradite Choksi to India, citing human rights, prison conditions, and Choksi's medical condition as reasons against his transfer to Indian custody. Apart from his association with Choksi, Aggarwal has handled several high-profile cases involving corporate crime and financial fraud, including the approximately $1.8 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case and the 2G spectrum case.

The reported detention relates to immigration matters, and the allegations have not been established as facts. Further details regarding the UK authorities' action, the alleged work-permit violations, and the reported cash seizure remain awaited.

The detention of Aggarwal has raised questions about the activities of individuals associated with high-profile financial crime cases in India. The case highlights the complexities of international legal proceedings and the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing immigration laws.

The Punjab National Bank fraud case, in which Choksi is a key accused, is one of India's major banking fraud investigations. The case has led to a massive manhunt for Choksi, who is believed to be hiding in Antigua and Barbuda.

The detention of Aggarwal is likely to have implications for Choksi's legal proceedings, as Aggarwal has been a key figure in his defence. However, the exact impact of the detention on Choksi's case remains to be seen.

In conclusion, the detention of Vijay Aggarwal in London over alleged immigration violations has raised significant questions about the activities of individuals associated with high-profile financial crime cases in India. The case highlights the complexities of international legal proceedings and the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing immigration laws.

The situation is being closely monitored, and further developments are expected in the coming days. The case has significant implications for India's efforts to bring fugitive economic offenders to justice, and the outcome of the proceedings against Aggarwal will be closely watched.

The Indian government has been actively pursuing the extradition of fugitive economic offenders, including Choksi, and the detention of Aggarwal is likely to be seen as a significant development in this context. The case is a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in combating financial crime and ensuring that those who commit such crimes are held accountable.

The detention of Aggarwal has also raised questions about the role of lawyers in representing clients accused of financial crimes. The case highlights the need for lawyers to ensure that they are complying with all relevant laws and regulations, including immigration laws, when representing clients in international legal proceedings.

In the end, the detention of Vijay Aggarwal in London over alleged immigration violations is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat financial crime and ensure that those who commit such crimes are held accountable. The case is a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the need for lawyers to ensure that they are complying with all relevant laws and regulations when representing clients in international legal proceedings.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Vijay Aggarwal?

Vijay Aggarwal is a prominent Indian criminal defence lawyer who has represented fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi in several legal proceedings.

Why was Vijay Aggarwal detained in London?

Vijay Aggarwal was detained in London over alleged immigration and work-permit violations, including undertaking professional work in Britain without the necessary permissions.

mehul choksivijay aggarwalimmigration violationslondonindia
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