New Delhi, Sept 11: Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, accused in a loan-fraud case whose quantum is upto Rs 13,800 crore, broke his silence on the allegations levelled by the Indian probing agencies. In a video interview, Choksi said the Enforcement Directorate has levelled "false and baseless" charges against him.

On being asked whether he had set up shell companies to route the loans taken from banks to offshore firms and accounts, Choksi said the allegation is unfounded. "On this baseless charge, the ED has attached my properties illegally," he added.

Choksi has also ruled out surrendering before the Indian agencies, claiming that a conspiracy is being hatched to prosecute him.

Watch Mehul Choksi speaking on the revocation of his passport:

The video interview released by ANI is based on the questionnaire sent by the news agency. However, the questions were asked by Choksi's lawyer in Antigua.

Choksi, along with his nephew diamantaire Nirav Modi, had left the nation in January, weeks before the duo were booked for defrauding the Punjab National Bank of upto Rs 13,800 crore through fraudulent letter of undertakings.

While Choksi is settled in Antigua, where he has availed citizenship, Modi's current location is reported to be in London. The Interpol has issued red corner notices to both of them based on the complaint sent by India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2018 12:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).