CBI expands Michel probe to other defence deals

NEW DELHI: With AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel in its custody in connection with the VVIP chopper scam, the CBI has expanded the probe and is asking him questions on his alleged role for the UK-Italian company in other deals, including the supply of 197 light utility helicopters to the Indian Army.

In January 2014, the CBI had registered a case against Brigadier VS Saini after allegations of bribery in the Rs 3,000 crore light utility helicopters deal following recovery of a document by Italian prosecutors from Guido Haschke, another middleman and Michel’s associate.

The document stated that a brigadier had demanded a bribe of 5 million euros from AgustaWestland for tilting the field trial in its favour. After the VVIP chopper scam exploded in 2012, the government deferred the decision to buy these light utility helicopters, which were supposed to replace Army’s ageing Chetak and Cheetah fleet.


Italian prosecutors had, in 2013, claimed before a court — Tribunale de Busto Arsizio — that documents recovered from Haschke’s computer could open a “Pandora’s box” as these documented his appointments, meetings with Indian intermediaries and several international transactions including that of Finmeccanica (parent company of AgustaWestland).

CBI sources told TOI on Friday that Michel was hired by AgustaWestland for the company’s overall bidding in India’s defence market and “we are looking into irregularities in all contracts signed with AgustaWestland, at least since Michel started operating in India”. Michel has been working as a middleman in India for over 20 years.

The agency has got all documents related to AgustaWestland’s contracts in India which were in Haschke’s possession. “Haschke couldn’t have acted alone as Michel used to give him instructions. Haschke’s documents, if corroborated by Michel, could actually open a Pandora’s box here,” said an officer.

Michel’s line of questioning includes his contacts in political parties, defence ministry, Army, IAF, Indian middlemen who worked with him and people who helped him start shell companies, the officer said.

Meanwhile, sources said Michel was giving “misleading” answers to questions related to the VVIP chopper contract, his links with Indian accused persons and his meetings in a South Delhi farmhouse and five-star hotels.

Without sharing details of his claims, an officer said, “What he is saying needs thorough verification as he knows how to dodge questions.”

The CBI is now waiting for Italian authorities to challenge the January 2018 acquittal of former Finmeccanica head Giuseppe Orsi and former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini.