CHOKSI USING KIDNAPPING CLAIMS TO AVOID DEPORTATION TO INDIA

FAKE CLAIMS

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

The findings of “I-onAsia”, a global risk management and investigation company, played an instrumental role in the Antigua and Barbuda High Court’s recent decision to ask the police to investigate the kidnapping claims made by fugitive Mehul Choksi. These findings were also submitted by Choksi’s legal team in front of Interpol which later removed his name from the Red Corner “Most Wanted” list, much to the disappointment of India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Sunday Guardian spoke to Oliver Laurence who is the Managing Partner of Ion Asia and handled Choksi's case from the company's office in London. Edited excerpts.

Q: What is your and your organization's role in this entire matter?

A: My role in this matter is to investigate the circumstances around the disappearance of Mr Mehul Choksi in May 2021 and provide the evidence that we have uncovered to Mr Choksi's legal team, led by Mr Edward Fitzgerald KC and Mr Graeme Hall of Doughty Street Chambers. I have also presented evidence regarding the kidnapping to law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom.

Q: When were you and your organization asked by Mr Choksi to do your investigations?