ED writes to Interpol for issue of red corner notices against middlemen in VVIP chopper scam

NEW DELHI: Stepping up its probe into the VVIP chopper deal probe, Enforcement Directorate has written to Interpol for issue of red corner notices (RCN) against three middlemen — Guido Haschke, Carlo Gerosa and Christian Michel James.

The agency probing the alleged money laundering charges in the multi-crore scam said that they need to question the three suspects to unearth the “larger conspiracy” and “establish money trail”. The Italian middlemen, Haschke presently shuttles between Switzerland and Italy while Gerosa is believed to be staying in Italy. Michel, a British middleman, is reportedly staying in Dubai and have managed to dodge the authorities. ED sources said that based on the RCN, the agency will press for the custodial interrogation of suspects. “An Interpol notice will also help to deter their movements across countries,” an official explained.

Earlier, the CBI has questioned Haschke during the trial in Italy but he remained evasive and denied any wrongdoings. According to ED, Haschke and Gerosa are alleged to have transferred 5.6 million euros through Mohali-based IDS Infotech and Chandigarh-based Aeromatrix Info Solutions to India.

The duos are also alleged to have kept the remaining amount of about 24.30 million euros received from Agusta-Westland with them in the account of IDS Tunisia. The third middlemen Michel is alleged to transferred 29 million euros to clinch the deal in favour of Agusta-Westland. ED during its probe had identified and attached properties to the tune of Rs 1.12 crore allegedly belonging to Michel in Delhi. The properties included a flat in posh Safdurjung Enclave area of South Delhi, a luxury car and a fixed deposit of Rs 54 lakh.

CBI, which has been probing the corruption charges in the Rs 3,586 crore since 2013, has recently moved a Delhi court for issuance of non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Michel, based on which the agency also plans to get a RCN issued against him, said sources.

The agency has named former IAF chief SP Tyagi and 12 others under charges of bribery, cheating and corruption in the VVIP chopper deal. Besides Tyagi, his cousins Sanjeev alias Julie, Rajeev alias Docsa and Sandeep were among those named in the FIR as accused.

Six companies — Italy-based Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland, Mohali-based IDS Infotech, Chandigarh-based Aeromatrix, IDS Tunisia and IDS Mauritius — had also been named in the FIR.