The Enforcement Directorate has filed a fresh chargesheet naming British national and alleged middleman Christian Michel James and two of his Indian associates in a money-laundering probe in connectio
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a fresh chargesheet naming British national and alleged middleman Christian Michel James and two of his Indian associates in a money-laundering probe in connection with the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal.
The prosecution complaint of the ED, the equivalent of a chargesheet, was filed in a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court earlier this week. It claims the agency’s investigation has revealed that the euro 30 million (nearly Rs 225 crore) that Mr James received from M/s AgustaWestland were nothing but “kickbacks” paid for procuring the 12-helicopter deal for the firm in the “guise” of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in India.
ED sources said the PMLA court is to take cognisance of the supplementary chargesheet soon. A red corner notice and non-bailable warrant have also been issued against Mr James.
The Indian firm and the two Indians named in the chargesheet are Media Exim Pvt. Ltd and its directors R.K. Nanda and J.B. Subramaniyam.
This is the second ED chargesheet. It details Mr James’ alleged role in the deal, his multiple visits to India and his transactions. Filing a chargesheet against Mr James was necessary as the ED has sought his extradition from the UK and a court complaint against an accused is necessary to activate the extradition treaty.
