VVIP Chopper Scam| Christian Michel James Interfered With Crucial Defence Equipment: ED Opposes Bail In Delhi High Court

Appearing before Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, ASG Raju also asserted that by reducing the height of Choppers, the bail applicant has interfered with crucial defence equipment needed in high altitude areas like Ladakh.

He reminded the Court that Michel has no roots in the Indian society and is indeed at flight risk; he used to be a frequent visitor to India but after this involvement in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal became public, he never returned.

Raju refuted the claim made by Michel's counsel that he was exonerated by an Italian court of all charges and insisted that bail must be denied for misleading the court.

Advocate Aljo Joseph, appearing for Michel, brought to the notice of the Court that the Indian Government has recovered an amount of Rs. 60.2 Billion, which is 45% of the total contract value, except the value of the 3 helicopters which have not been returned and are stationed in the IGI Airport in Delhi. The arbitration proceeding initiated by AgustaWestland to recover money from the Indian Government has been dropped. Additionally, AgustaWestland, which has been renamed Leonardo S.p.A., has recently been removed from blacklist in India. Furthermore, they have received invitation to participate in defence procurement process for Indian Navy.

However, ASG SV Raju stated that none of these statements are pertinent to this case. He will continue his arguments on 3 February 2022.

In previous hearings, the Court heard arguments for CBI led by Advocate DP Singh. The agency alleged that Michel received kickbacks for the VVIP chopper deal and presented Tabular charts explaining the agreements, the money flow, and produced copies of some invoices and payment proofs, to establish that money flowed to his companies.

Case Title: Christian Michael James v. Directorate of Enforcement, Bail Application 2566/2021 and connected matters.