Delhi High Court Seeks CBI and ED Response on Christian Michel James’ Bail Petition in AgustaWestland Helicopter Scam

The Delhi High Court has summoned responses from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the bail petition of alleged middleman Christian Michel James in connection with the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter scam case, which involves the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters. Justice Jyoti Singh has issued notices to both agencies on Michel’s bail pleas and has postponed the hearing until May 16.

Michel, a British national, was extradited from Dubai to India in December 2018 and subsequently arrested in connection with the alleged scam. The Supreme Court had denied bail to Michel on February 7 of the previous year. Currently, he remains in judicial custody.

According to the CBI’s charge sheet, the helicopter deal signed on February 8, 2010, amounted to Euro 556.262 million, resulting in an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer. Meanwhile, the ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, alleged that he received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Previously, James’ request for release was turned down citing that he had already served half of the maximum prison sentence in the case. Moreover, in March 2022, the High Court dismissed his bail application in both CBI and ED cases. The case revolves around the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.