After he was denied bail by Chief Magistrate Candia Carette-George on a charge of “illegal entry into Dominica on May 23, 2021” lawyers for Indian fugitive businessman Mehul Choski has applied to the high court to secure his bail.
The Indian fugitive who in 2018 secured an Antiguan passport under the CBI programme is wanted in his country on 11 fraud charges worth US 2 billion.
Choski was brought to court in a wheelchair from his hospital bed at the Dominica China Hospital where he has been a patient since May 31, 2021.
When the single charge was read to him he pleaded “not guilty” and the prosecution led by acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sherma Dalrymple objected to his bail telling the court that he was a flight risk and Interpol had a Red Notice for him since he is wanted in India.
“This is the highest level of notice for a fugitive…he is also opposing his extradition to India from Antigua for offenses committed in India and also he has no ties to Dominica,” Dalrymple told the court.
But his lawyer Wayne Norde told the court that given his health conditions and the fact that he is wanted by Interpol his client is not a flight risk. He asked the court to impose stringent measures including a cash bail amount. “He was not in custody in Antigua, he is also a CARICOM and OECS national so we are asking that he be granted bail with or without conditions,” Norde told the court.
In response, Chief Magistrate Candia Carette-George stated that after reviewing the matter she was of the view that Choski was “a flight risk”.
“I must weigh the matter and on a balance of probability given the severity of the matter he granted bail, I am not convinced he will attend his hearing,” she said.
The matter was set for hearing on June 14, 2021. Choski was returned to the hospital where he remains a patient and once released he will be remanded at the Stock Farm Prison.
Meantime after two days of a civil trial before high court Judge Bernie Stephenson an Order has been made that the lawyers file submissions before the court for consideration by the judge to decide her ruling. The matter has been adjourned sine die.