The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the multi-crore VVIP helicopter deal case, is likely to approach Interpol for issuing red corner notice (RCN) against European middlemen Christian Mi
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the multi-crore VVIP helicopter deal case, is likely to approach Interpol for issuing red corner notice (RCN) against European middlemen Christian Michel James, who is a suspect in the case.
Sources said, “The ED has recovered a crucial evidence that may help its case. In a March 2008 letter written to a then senior AgustaWestland official, Michel seeks payments for his firms in view of the likely conclusion of a ‘major’ deal in India”.
In view of surfacing of new evidence in the case, the agency is likely to question suspects again, they added.
“Statement of Michel is very crucial in this case. Since the whereabouts of European middlemen Michel is not known, the ED may approach Interpol for issuing RCN against him,” sources said. The ED recently attached properties to the tune of Rs 1.12 crore allegedly belonging to Michel in Delhi. The property in the name of a media firm allegedly belonged to Michel, included a flat in posh Safdurjung Enclave area of South Delhi, a luxury car and a fixed deposit of Rs 54 lakh.
The ED is probing the case under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency will soon examine former Indian Air Force Chief (IAF), S.P. Tyagi in connection with the case.
The supply of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland came under the scanner after the Italian authorities alleged that bribe was paid by the company to clinch the deal.
The ED has already booked former Indian Air Force Chief and 12 others under charges of bribery, cheating, corruption and money laundering in the AugustaWestland helicopter deal.
The former Air Chief, his cousins — Sanjeev alias Julie, Rajeev alias Docsa and Sandeep, European middlemen Carlo Gerosa, Christian Michel and Guido Haschke were among 13 individuals named in the FIRs as accused. Six companies, including Italy-based Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland, Mohali-based IDS Infotech, Chandigarh based Aeromatrix, IDS Tunisia and IDS Mauritius, have also been booked by the Indian agencies.
Investigations by the ED into the controversial deal have revealed that just two months after taking charge of the then Chief of Air Staff S.P. Tyagi (Retd), the air headquarters on March 7, 2005 allegedly agreed to reduce the mandatory service ceiling of the VVIP helicopters from 6000 meters to 4500 meters, reversing its earlier consistent stand according to which change in service ceiling was ‘non-negotiable’, sources said.
