AgustaWestland: CBI to Seek Extradition of Chopper Deal Middleman

The Central Bureau of Investigation has decided to seek the extradition of alleged middleman Christian Michel James.

The Italian court had earlier ruled that the deal to purchase 12 VVIP helicopters by India from AgustaWestland involved international corruption. (Photo: Reuters)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to seek the extradition of alleged middleman Christian Michel James, an accused in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, from the UAE, sources said on Friday.

"CBI has decided to send a request to designated central authorities of UAE (United Arab Emirates) seeking extradition of fugitive Christian Michel James through prescribed channel," an informed source told IANS.

The agency took the decision to seek the extradition of James after its investigating teams confirmed his role as a key middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, the source said.

It is also learnt that some bureaucrats and politicians are on the radar of CBI sleuths in the case but they want to question James before taking any action against them.

"Extradition is also important to take forward the investigation regarding bribes paid to bureaucrats and politicians," the source further added.