Highlights
He has been staying in Antigua and Barbuda since January 2018
He is wanted in India in connection with multi-crore PNB loan fraud scam
NEW DELHI: Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamantaire who is wanted in the country in connection with the Rs 13,5000-crore Punjab National Bank loan fraud case, has mysteriously gone missing in Antigua and Barbuda where he had been staying since January 2018.
Choksi’s sudden disappearance has raised a question mark over the Antiguan government’s intention to help India in the case.
The Royal Police Force of the Caribbean island nation said in an official statement that it has launched a missing person operation along with the photograph of the businessman, seeking information from the public.
Pope Francis leads his general audience in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican April 28, 2021. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope Francis, in a new motu proprio issued April 29, continued his determined eight-year effort to reform Vatican finances. The decree lays down new legally binding norms to ensure transparency and to prevent any form of corruption by Vatican officials both clerical and lay involved in the management of such public finances.
With the document, the pope introduces significant changes to the “General Regulations of the Roman Curia,” which prohibit all persons employed in the Roman Curia, Vatican City State and related entities from accepting or soliciting money or gifts valued at more than 40 euros (around $50), either for themselves or for someone else.
Pope Francis issues new law to combat corruption in the Vatican Staff, including senior clerics, must refuse gifts exceeding €40
Fri, Apr 30, 2021, 08:23
Pope Francis, pictured this week, has introduced new measures to target corruption at the Vatican . Photograph: Vatican Media via Getty
In an effort to fight corruption in the highest ranks of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis issued a sweeping new decree on Thursday compelling top managers at the Vatican, including cardinals, to provide full financial disclosures and to refuse any gifts worth more than roughly €40.
In taking aim at matters both large and small, from real estate holdings and investments to work-related gifts given to any Vatican employee, Francis said his goal was to bring the church into accord with best financial practices to ensure transparency and fight corruption.
Senator Michael Peyrefitte, Former Attorney General
“We met with the Unions concerning UNCAC after the United Nations presented their report. The United Nations presented their report and said listen these are the things that you need to do. I personally met with the unions and when we sat down within them, I said this is the document. Now you go through it and you tell us what your priorities are in terms of which of these you want to see pass. I met with them months before the General Elections, and they did not get back with me. They did not get back with me to say ok of the things you have here that were recommended by the United Nations, we want you to implement these. They have not done that. I believe that there is a high chance that when I gave them the document, they did not even read it. When I met with them and presented a solution that would require work then yo can’t mek noise no more, deh had to work. It is unfair that the leadership of the union, at times, d