First property attachment in AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal scam

NEW DELHI: The adjudicating authority under Prevention of Money Laundering Act has confirmed the seizure of properties owned by British businessman Christian Michel in the first property attachment in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal scam. Michel is accused of being the middleman in the multi-crore rupee deal.

In March, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing money laundering charges against Michel, traced and identified the properties owned by him in India and issued a provisional attachment order.

The agency claimed that Michel bought a flat in south Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave in the name of media firm Media Exim using the bribe money. He was also reportedly in possession of a luxury car and a FD of Rs 54 lakh.

The adjudicating authority last week, accepting the charges levelled by ED against Michel, confirmed the attachment of properties and allowed the agency to retain the properties.

According to ED, the value of properties is estimated to be Rs 1.12 crore. The investigators said that the businessman purchased the flat with the help of a west Delhi-based businessman, who was also questioned by ED.

The agency now plans to issue summons to Michel at his last known address in the UAE and if he does not comply with the summons, the agency can get a look-out circular or a red corner notice issued against him. ED got details of Michel’s India visits in the past few years from the Foreigner Regional Registration Office.

Evidence of his Indian investments and property is believed to have been gathered from call records and other details of his stay at the Claridges hotel in central Delhi.