Why Vijay Aggarwal, Mehul Choksi’s Lawyer, Was Detained by UK Immigration in London

Indian criminal lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, who has represented businessman Mehul Choksi in several legal proceedings, was reportedly detained by UK immigration authorities in London over alleged immigration and work-permit violations. The reported action followed an inspection at a property in the Mayfair area, where authorities also reportedly found a substantial amount of cash.

According to reports, Aggarwal was held for around three days while British authorities examined allegations that he had undertaken professional work in the UK without the necessary permissions. The circumstances surrounding the reported cash discovery and the immigration action remain under investigation. Mehul Choksi Extradition: Belgian Court Finds 'No Legal Barrier' for Fugitive Diamantaire’s Return to India in INR 13,850 Crore PNB Scam Case.

Why Was Vijay Aggarwal Detained?

Reports indicate that UK immigration officials inspected a property in London's Mayfair following a complaint from the landlord.

Aggarwal was reportedly present at the premises when the inspection took place. Authorities are said to have questioned him over whether he had been carrying out professional activities in Britain without the appropriate work authorisation. Mehul Choksi, Wanted in INR 13,000 Crore PNB Fraud Case, Detained in Belgium on India’s Extradition Request.

The reported detention is therefore understood to be linked primarily to immigration and work-permit concerns, rather than to the criminal cases involving his client Mehul Choksi.

Cash Reportedly Found at Mayfair Property

A significant amount of cash was reportedly found during the inspection of the Mayfair property.

However, the exact amount and source of the money have not been publicly established. Reports say the circumstances surrounding the cash were being examined by the authorities. Several junior lawyers associated with Aggarwal's firm were also reportedly present at the property during the inspection. There is currently no publicly established evidence linking the reported cash discovery to the Punjab National Bank fraud case involving Choksi.

Vijay Aggarwal's Connection With Mehul Choksi

Vijay Aggarwal is known for representing Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in India in connection with the alleged Punjab National Bank fraud case. Aggarwal has represented Choksi in proceedings in different jurisdictions and has been involved in legal challenges concerning India's efforts to secure his extradition.

In April 2025, Choksi was arrested in Belgium following an extradition request from India. Aggarwal subsequently represented him and said Choksi would challenge the arrest and oppose extradition, citing his health and other legal grounds.

What Is the PNB Case?

Choksi and his nephew, diamantaire Nirav Modi, are wanted by Indian investigative agencies in connection with the alleged fraud involving Punjab National Bank. The case concerns allegations that fraudulent Letters of Undertaking and other banking instruments were used to obtain credit from overseas branches of banks, resulting in losses running into thousands of crores of rupees.

Choksi left India in 2018, before the alleged fraud came to wider public attention. He later obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda and has since faced legal proceedings in multiple countries.

Mehul Choksi's Extradition Proceedings

Choksi was arrested by Belgian authorities in April 2025 after India sought his extradition. His legal team has opposed efforts to send him back to India, citing, among other grounds, his health condition and concerns about his treatment if extradited. The extradition proceedings in Belgium remain separate from the reported immigration action involving Aggarwal in the UK.

Investigation Into Vijay Aggarwal's Detention

The reported UK action is still developing, and details about the precise immigration provisions allegedly breached by Aggarwal have not been fully made public. The reported detention should not be treated as a finding of guilt. Any further action by British authorities would depend on the outcome of their investigation and the applicable UK immigration rules.

At present, the key issues under examination are reportedly Aggarwal's immigration and work status in Britain and the circumstances surrounding the cash allegedly found during the Mayfair inspection.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2026 07:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).