Argentina impounds Quattrochi's passport

NEW DELHI: Argentinean authorities have impounded the passport of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, accused in the Bofors case, as a two-member CBI team is all set to leave for Buenos Aires on Wednesday morning with extradition papers.

Sources in CBI said the Argentinean Foreign Ministry informed the Indian government on Tuesday that they had impounded the passport of 69-year-old Quattrocchi who has been barred by Argentinean authorities from leaving the country.

New Delhi was also informed that Argentinean authorities will take at least 15 days to examine the extradition papers which will be submitted by the CBI team on March 1, they said.

"We have also asked our Ambassador in Argentina to fix a meeting with the Foreign Office to discuss the case and request for its speedy processing," a senior CBI official spoke on condition of anonymity.

CBI sources said the agency's team, which comprises a Superintendent of Police and Director of Prosecution, has also been asked to look for a local lawyer who could assist the Prosecutor General appointed by the government there.

CBI had appointed a private law firm in the extradition case of underworld don Abu Salem from Portugal.

Quattrocchi was detained in Argentina on February 6 on the basis of an Interpol Red Corner notice while on his way to catch a flight from Iguazu airport in Misiones province to Brazil.

On February 23, the Federal Court in Misiones granted him bail and three days later New Delhi was informed about the Italian businessman being released with a condition that he cannot leave the country.