Indian criminal defense lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, who has previously represented fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, has been detained by immigration authorities in London. The enforcement action reportedly took place following an inspection by British immigration officials at a property located in London's affluent Mayfair district.
Allegations of UK Work Permit Violations
According to available details, immigration officials inspected the premises in Mayfair before taking Aggarwal into custody. The allegations centre on carrying out professional legal work within the United Kingdom without holding the mandatory work authorization, alongside suspected non-compliance with immigration regulations. Official public statements regarding the status of the detention from the UK Home Office, Border Force, Metropolitan Police, or British judicial bodies remain awaited.
Association with High-Profile Legal Battles
Vijay Aggarwal is a well-known defense counsel in India, having appeared in numerous prominent financial crime cases. Notably, he led the legal representation for Mehul Choksi, who is wanted by Indian law enforcement in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case. Indian agencies have actively pursued Choksi's extradition, securing favorable judicial rulings internationally, including an October 2025 decision by a Belgian court supporting his return to India.
Increased Scrutiny on Foreign Legal Operations in the UK
The United Kingdom has been a major jurisdiction for legal proceedings concerning Indian financial fugitives. Related proceedings involving fugitive businessman Nirav Modi saw notable courtroom outcomes, such as Bank of India winning a ₹100 crore legal dispute in London courts in June 2026. The detention of defense counsel Vijay Aggarwal underscores heightened scrutiny by UK immigration authorities on foreign professionals operating within British boundaries.
