Mumbai: Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has submitted his Indian passport to Antigua, a government source confirmed on Monday. 

According to reports, it is believed that the major reason behind Choksi submitting his passport is avoiding extradition to India where he is wanted for loan frauds. 

It was reported that the 59-year-old businessman submitted his passport number Z 3396732, along with 177 dollars, to the authorities in Antigua. 

Antigua is an island nation in the Caribbean region. 

Now Choksi's new address will be Jolly Harbour Saint Marks, Antigua. 

Meanwhile, a hearing is scheduled on February 22 on Choksi’s extradition requests by Indian agencies. 

Choksi in 2017 had taken citizenship of Antigua on the basis of clearance from Mumbai police. He is a main accused, along with his relative Nirav Modi, in the PNB scam. Central Bureau of Investigation, as well as the enforcement directorate, are currently looking for them. So far assets worth Rs 4500 crores have been seized and attached by the investigating agencies.

Choksi and Modi are also being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year. It is alleged that the duo cheated the PNB to the tune of over Rs 13,000 crore.