Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
2mo ago

Christian Michel Granted Bail After Six Years in Indian Custody Over AgustaWestland Scandal

The British national, accused of facilitating bribes in a controversial VVIP helicopter deal, secures bail as Indian courts cite prolonged detention without trial.

Christian Michel James was extradited from Dubai in December 2018 and was subsequently arrested by the CBI and the ED.
The Delhi HC has granted bail to Christian Michel James in the money-laundering case. (AP)

Overview

  • Christian Michel, a British arms consultant, was granted bail by the Delhi High Court in a money laundering case linked to the AgustaWestland helicopter scandal.
  • Michel has spent over six years in custody since his extradition from Dubai in December 2018, with no trial initiated due to incomplete investigations.
  • The AgustaWestland deal, signed in 2010 and later scrapped in 2014 over corruption allegations, involved the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters for ₹3,600 crore (€556 million).
  • Indian authorities allege Michel acted as a middleman, facilitating €30 million in bribes to secure the contract for AgustaWestland, causing an estimated loss of €398 million to the exchequer.
  • Courts criticized the prolonged investigation and lack of trial progress, with over 100 witnesses and nearly 1,000 documents cited as reasons for delays.