<p>A Delhi Court on Saturday directed the Tihar jail authorities to submit CCTV&nbsp;footage containing visuals from February 13 to 17&nbsp;of jail number 7 where AgustaWestland accused 'middleman' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/met-rakesh-asthana-in-dubai-he-threatened-to-make-my-life-hell-christian-michel-tells-delhi-court-202888">Christian Michel</a> is lodged to ascertain allegations of torture and humiliation levelled by Michel.</p>

<p>The matter will be next heard on March 19.</p>

<p>On March 11, the Delhi court sought a reply from the Director General (DG) of Prison seeking directions to shift the accused from the high-security cell to a normal cell, after he contended that he had been kept in an isolation ward with Kashmiri terrorists and 160 other high-risk prisoners.</p>

<p>To rubbish the allegations put forth by the accused, Tihar jail authorities, on March 14, produced CCTV footage from March 8th to 12th before the court.</p>

<p>In its reply to the court, the Tihar Jail authorities denying all the charges said that Michel has been granted all the facilities in accordance with the jail manual.</p>

<p>Showing a hard disk to the court containing the CCTV footage, the law officer said, ''The footage shows that he has been allowed to walk, access canteen and also meet other inmates.''</p>

<p>Law officer of the jail also handed over a list of facilities being provided to Michel in a single cell in the jail. ''This is not isolation as he goes out to eat and is allowed to meet other inmates,'' the authorities said.</p>

<p>Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) DP Singh told the court, ''He is a foreigner brought through extradition. This is a responsibility of the country to ensure his security as per the treaty.''</p>

<p>Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal.</p>


A Delhi Court on Saturday directed the Tihar jail authorities to submit CCTV footage containing visuals from February 13 to 17 of jail number 7 where AgustaWestland accused 'middleman' Christian Michel is lodged to ascertain allegations of torture and humiliation levelled by Michel.

A Delhi Court on Saturday directed the Tihar jail authorities to submit CCTV footage containing visuals from February 13 to 17 of jail number 7 where AgustaWestland accused 'middleman' Christian Michel is lodged to ascertain allegations of torture and humiliation levelled by Michel. The matter will be next heard on March 19. On March 11, the Delhi court sought a reply from the Director General (DG) of Prison seeking directions to shift the accused from the high-security cell to a normal cell, after he contended that he had been kept in an isolation ward with Kashmiri terrorists and 160 other high-risk prisoners. To rubbish the allegations put forth by the accused, Tihar jail authorities, on March 14, produced CCTV footage from March 8th to 12th before the court. In its reply to the court, the Tihar Jail authorities denying all the charges said that Michel has been granted all the facilities in accordance with the jail manual. Showing a hard disk to the court containing the CCTV footage, the law officer said, ''The footage shows that he has been allowed to walk, access canteen and also meet other inmates.'' Law officer of the jail also handed over a list of facilities being provided to Michel in a single cell in the jail. ''This is not isolation as he goes out to eat and is allowed to meet other inmates,'' the authorities said. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) DP Singh told the court, ''He is a foreigner brought through extradition. This is a responsibility of the country to ensure his security as per the treaty.'' Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal.

Delhi Court asks Tihar authorities for Christian Michel's prison footage

<p>Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper scam case, claimed in a Delhi court Tuesday that former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana met him in Dubai and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-will-not-be-able-to-get-anything-from-him-christian-michels-lawyer-to-wion-183762">threatened to make his life hell</a> inside jail if he did not toe the line of the agency in its investigation in the scandal.</p>

<p>"Sometime back Rakesh Asthana met me in Dubai and threatened that my life would be made hell and that's what is going on. My next door inmate is (gangster) Chotta Rajan... I don't understand what crime I have committed to be put along with those who have killed several people," he said.</p>

<p>Michel, who was present in the courtroom, also told the court that he was put in the prison with 16-17 Kashmiri separatist leaders.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CBI Court allows ED to further question Christian Michel tomorrow and day after tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/fRc2ChKS1Z">https://t.co/fRc2ChKS1Z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105389912386265088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The statements were made by Michel before Special Judge Arvind Kumar allowed the Enforcement Directorate to interrogate him inside Tihar Jail in Delhi.<br />
The court said the agency will quiz him tomorrow and the day after.</p>

<p>A jail official will remain present and Michel's lawyer is also allowed limited access during interrogation, for half an hour in the morning and in the evening, it said.</p>

<p>The court took note of Michel's submission alleging mental torture inside the jail and directed Tihar jail authorities to produce the CCTV footage and reports by Thursday based on which he was shifted to a high-security ward.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alleged middlemen in AgustaWestland case Christian Michel said before CBI Court earlier today that he was warned by the then CBI senior official Rakesh Asthana that his (Christian Michel's) life would be made hell if he comes back to India. It has become true. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/OMYrBm5rEh">pic.twitter.com/OMYrBm5rEh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105417759700049920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Monday, the court asked the jail authorities to submit their reply on the agency's plea and issued a production warrant for Tuesday for Michel after his lawyer alleged mental torture inside the jail.</p>

<p>Michel was arrested by ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai.</p>

<p>The court previously lashed out at the jail authorities for failing to justify the shifting of Michel to a high-security cell in isolation, saying it will start an inquiry if it does not get a proper response.</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by ED and Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;</p>


Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper scam case, claimed in a Delhi court Tuesday that former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana met him in Dubai and threatened to make his life hell inside jail if he did not toe the line of the agency in its investigation in the scandal.

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper scam case, claimed in a Delhi court Tuesday that former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana met him in Dubai and threatened to make his life hell inside jail if he did not toe the line of the agency in its investigation in the scandal. "Sometime back Rakesh Asthana met me in Dubai and threatened that my life would be made hell and that's what is going on. My next door inmate is (gangster) Chotta Rajan... I don't understand what crime I have committed to be put along with those who have killed several people," he said. Michel, who was present in the courtroom, also told the court that he was put in the prison with 16-17 Kashmiri separatist leaders. CBI Court allows ED to further question Christian Michel tomorrow and day after tomorrow. https://t.co/fRc2ChKS1Z — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × The statements were made by Michel before Special Judge Arvind Kumar allowed the Enforcement Directorate to interrogate him inside Tihar Jail in Delhi. The court said the agency will quiz him tomorrow and the day after. A jail official will remain present and Michel's lawyer is also allowed limited access during interrogation, for half an hour in the morning and in the evening, it said. The court took note of Michel's submission alleging mental torture inside the jail and directed Tihar jail authorities to produce the CCTV footage and reports by Thursday based on which he was shifted to a high-security ward. Alleged middlemen in AgustaWestland case Christian Michel said before CBI Court earlier today that he was warned by the then CBI senior official Rakesh Asthana that his (Christian Michel's) life would be made hell if he comes back to India. It has become true. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/OMYrBm5rEh — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × On Monday, the court asked the jail authorities to submit their reply on the agency's plea and issued a production warrant for Tuesday for Michel after his lawyer alleged mental torture inside the jail. Michel was arrested by ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai. The court previously lashed out at the jail authorities for failing to justify the shifting of Michel to a high-security cell in isolation, saying it will start an inquiry if it does not get a proper response. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by ED and Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

Met Rakesh Asthana in Dubai, he threatened to make my life hell: Christian Michel tells Delhi court 

<p>The Enforcement Directorate said Monday it has attached a Paris-based property worth Rs 5.83 crore of the ex-wife of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-delhi-court-seeks-tihars-reply-on-eds-plea-to-question-christian-michel-in-jail-202599">Christian Michel</a>, the alleged middleman arrested in the VVIP choppers scam case, under the anti-money laundering law.</p>

<p>It said a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been issued to attach the asset at 45 Avenue, Victor Hugo in France and it is in the name of Ms SCI Solaime and belongs to Michel's ex-wife Valerie Michel.</p>

<p>The Enforcement Directorate alleged that the woman had received "proceeds of crime" of this scam from the accused, Michel.</p>

<p>The agency said its probe found that Michel "had transferred the amount received as kickbacks to various entities, including euro 9,22,185.76 (equivalent to Rs 5,83,40,422) to his ex-wife Valerie Michel and subsequently to SCI Solaime for investment in the&nbsp;purchase of the immovable property."</p>

<p>Michel was extradited from the UAE in December last year and was arrested by the ED. He is in judicial custody.</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the Rs 3,600-crore case by ED and CBI. The others are foreign nationals - Guido Haschke and Carlos Gerosa.</p>

<p>The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, has alleged that he received euro 30 million, about Rs 225 crore, from AgustaWestland, the manufacturer of the helicopters.&nbsp;</p>


The Enforcement Directorate said Monday it has attached a Paris-based property worth Rs 5.83 crore of the ex-wife of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the VVIP choppers scam case, under the anti-money laundering law.

The Enforcement Directorate said Monday it has attached a Paris-based property worth Rs 5.83 crore of the ex-wife of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the VVIP choppers scam case, under the anti-money laundering law. It said a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been issued to attach the asset at 45 Avenue, Victor Hugo in France and it is in the name of Ms SCI Solaime and belongs to Michel's ex-wife Valerie Michel. The Enforcement Directorate alleged that the woman had received "proceeds of crime" of this scam from the accused, Michel. The agency said its probe found that Michel "had transferred the amount received as kickbacks to various entities, including euro 9,22,185.76 (equivalent to Rs 5,83,40,422) to his ex-wife Valerie Michel and subsequently to SCI Solaime for investment in the purchase of the immovable property." Michel was extradited from the UAE in December last year and was arrested by the ED. He is in judicial custody. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the Rs 3,600-crore case by ED and CBI. The others are foreign nationals - Guido Haschke and Carlos Gerosa. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, has alleged that he received euro 30 million, about Rs 225 crore, from AgustaWestland, the manufacturer of the helicopters.

VVIP choppers case: Enforcement Directorate attaches Paris property of Michel's ex-wife

<p>A Delhi court Monday sought a response from Tihar Jail authorities on the Enforcement Directorate's plea to interrogate Christian Michel, who was arrested in the AgustaWestland chopper case, inside the prison.</p>

<p>The jail authority has been asked to submit its response by Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Special Judge Arvind Kumar also issued a production warrant for Tuesday against Michel after his lawyer alleged mental torture inside jail.</p>

<p>He was arrested by the ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Agusta Westland case:Delhi's Patiala House Court issued notice to Tihar Jail authorities on ED application seeking permission to further question alleged middleman Christian Michel again.Matter is posted for tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/lob7ER1EM4">https://t.co/lob7ER1EM4</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105028410978590722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The court had earlier lashed out at the jail's authorities for failing to justify the shifting of Michel to a high-security cell in isolation, saying it will start an inquiry if it does not get a proper response.</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the scam by ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;</p>


A Delhi court Monday sought a response from Tihar Jail authorities on the Enforcement Directorate's plea to interrogate Christian Michel, who was arrested in the AgustaWestland chopper case, inside the prison.

A Delhi court Monday sought a response from Tihar Jail authorities on the Enforcement Directorate's plea to interrogate Christian Michel, who was arrested in the AgustaWestland chopper case, inside the prison. The jail authority has been asked to submit its response by Tuesday. Special Judge Arvind Kumar also issued a production warrant for Tuesday against Michel after his lawyer alleged mental torture inside jail. He was arrested by the ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai. Agusta Westland case:Delhi's Patiala House Court issued notice to Tihar Jail authorities on ED application seeking permission to further question alleged middleman Christian Michel again.Matter is posted for tomorrow. https://t.co/lob7ER1EM4 — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2019 × The court had earlier lashed out at the jail's authorities for failing to justify the shifting of Michel to a high-security cell in isolation, saying it will start an inquiry if it does not get a proper response. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the scam by ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

VVIP chopper case: Delhi court seeks Tihar's reply on ED's plea to question Christian Michel in jail

<p>Christian Michel, the 'middleman'&nbsp;in the VVIP chopper scam, on Saturday moved a fresh application before a Delhi court seeking judicial inquiry over being shifted to a solitary cell in Tihar Jail and an apparent violation of human rights.</p>

<p>In the application, Michel also claimed that he was not given privacy to use the toilet. He was made to use open toilets and two guards accompanied him at all times, he claimed.</p>

<p>The Patiala House Court has sought a reply from Tihar jail authorities on the application filed by the AgustaWestland accused.</p>

<p>Michel had earlier filed a plea in the Delhi Court raising questions about putting him in a solitary cell, alleging that he was lodged in a cell with dreaded criminals like Chhota Rajan.</p>

<p>In the last hearing, Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar had directed competent authority to appear before it on March 5 saying else it will summon Director General (DG) Prisons.</p>

<p>Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal.</p>


Christian Michel, the 'middleman' in the VVIP chopper scam, on Saturday moved a fresh application before a Delhi court seeking judicial inquiry over being shifted to a solitary cell in Tihar Jail and an apparent violation of human rights.

Christian Michel, the 'middleman' in the VVIP chopper scam, on Saturday moved a fresh application before a Delhi court seeking judicial inquiry over being shifted to a solitary cell in Tihar Jail and an apparent violation of human rights. In the application, Michel also claimed that he was not given privacy to use the toilet. He was made to use open toilets and two guards accompanied him at all times, he claimed. The Patiala House Court has sought a reply from Tihar jail authorities on the application filed by the AgustaWestland accused. Michel had earlier filed a plea in the Delhi Court raising questions about putting him in a solitary cell, alleging that he was lodged in a cell with dreaded criminals like Chhota Rajan. In the last hearing, Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar had directed competent authority to appear before it on March 5 saying else it will summon Director General (DG) Prisons. Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal.

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel seeks judicial inquiry over being shifted to solitary cell in Tihar Jail

<p>A Delhi court Saturday dismissed the bail plea of Christian Michel, arrested in connection with an alleged scam in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.</p>

<p>Special judge Arvind Kumar rejected Michel's plea in the cases filed by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-christian-michel-moves-delhi-court-seeking-bail-196040">On February&nbsp;8, Michel moved a Delhi court</a> seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days.</p>

<p>The bail application said that the probe is complete.</p>

<p>"Since, the charge sheet was not filed against him within the stipulated 60-day period under section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The probe is complete. I'm in custody since December 22, 2018," Michel said in the petition.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Agusta Westland case: Delhi's Patiala House Court dismisses the bail plea of alleged middleman Christian Michel in both CBI &amp; ED cases against him</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1096719077102350336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 22 last year.</p>

<p>On January 5, Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam.</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;</p>


A Delhi court Saturday dismissed the bail plea of Christian Michel, arrested in connection with an alleged scam in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

A Delhi court Saturday dismissed the bail plea of Christian Michel, arrested in connection with an alleged scam in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. Special judge Arvind Kumar rejected Michel's plea in the cases filed by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. On February 8, Michel moved a Delhi court seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days. The bail application said that the probe is complete. "Since, the charge sheet was not filed against him within the stipulated 60-day period under section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The probe is complete. I'm in custody since December 22, 2018," Michel said in the petition. Agusta Westland case: Delhi's Patiala House Court dismisses the bail plea of alleged middleman Christian Michel in both CBI & ED cases against him — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2019 × Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 22 last year. On January 5, Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

VVIP Chopper case: Delhi court dismisses Christian Michel's bail plea

<p>Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, moved a Delhi court Friday seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days.</p>

<p>Special Judge Arvind Kumar sought the agencies' reply by February 12, when the court will hear the matter.</p>

<p>The bail application said that the probe is complete.</p>

<p>"Since, the charge sheet was not filed against him within the stipulated 60-day period under section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The probe is complete. I'm in custody since December 22, 2018," Michel said in the petition.</p>

<p>Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 22 last year.</p>

<p>On January 5, Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam.</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;</p>


Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, moved a Delhi court Friday seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days.

Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, moved a Delhi court Friday seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days. Special Judge Arvind Kumar sought the agencies' reply by February 12, when the court will hear the matter. The bail application said that the probe is complete. "Since, the charge sheet was not filed against him within the stipulated 60-day period under section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The probe is complete. I'm in custody since December 22, 2018," Michel said in the petition. Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 22 last year. On January 5, Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

VVIP Chopper case: Christian Michel moves Delhi court seeking bail

<p>Weeks after alleged AgustaWestland chopper deal middleman Christian Michel was extradited to India from the UAE, Dr Ahmed Albanna-- gulf country envoy to India -- credited personal touch between UAE and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for the expedited extradition.</p>

<p>Interacting with media in Delhi, Albanna said, "The close relationship, the very very important strategic and the personal touch in the relationship that counts, that sometimes makes things that don't happen in one year to happen in one day".<br />
&nbsp;<br />
He also said, "We do have a very good collaboration and cooperation, and we have signed an agreement in terms of giving information, security collaboration so on."</p>

<p>Christian Michel is the key middleman in the Rs 3600 Crores AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam and was extradited from UAE in December of 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had sent extradition request in 2017 to UAE and after a lengthy legal battle in UAE courts, he was extradited to India on 4th December 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi has also given consular access to the United Kingdom for Michel. Notably, Michel is a British national who has been extradited from a third country, that is UAE. In the last four years, 16 fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India.</p>

<p>On India-UAE ties, Albanna said, "Bilateral ties are at its peak with high-level visits in many different sectors by ministers and CEOs. India is a major economic partner. We want to keep up with the relationship. We make sure things are on the right track. We have a special relationship because of the visits of PM Modi and crown prince of Abu Dhabi"</p>

<p>PM Modi visited UAE in August of 2015 followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in February of 2016.</p>

<p>Crown Prince was the Chief guest at India's Republic day in 2017 which was his second visit to India. Following the visit, PM Modi visited Dubai in 2018 for the sixth World Government Summit.</p>

<p>UAE has announced that it will build the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian population in UAE currently stands at around 3.3 million, making it the largest concentration of Indian nationals outside India.&nbsp;</p>


Weeks after alleged AgustaWestland chopper deal middleman Christian Michel was extradited to India from the UAE, Dr Ahmed Albanna-- gulf country envoy to India -- credited personal touch between UAE and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for the expedited extradition.

Weeks after alleged AgustaWestland chopper deal middleman Christian Michel was extradited to India from the UAE, Dr Ahmed Albanna-- gulf country envoy to India -- credited personal touch between UAE and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for the expedited extradition. Interacting with media in Delhi, Albanna said, "The close relationship, the very very important strategic and the personal touch in the relationship that counts, that sometimes makes things that don't happen in one year to happen in one day". He also said, "We do have a very good collaboration and cooperation, and we have signed an agreement in terms of giving information, security collaboration so on." Christian Michel is the key middleman in the Rs 3600 Crores AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam and was extradited from UAE in December of 2018. India had sent extradition request in 2017 to UAE and after a lengthy legal battle in UAE courts, he was extradited to India on 4th December 2019. New Delhi has also given consular access to the United Kingdom for Michel. Notably, Michel is a British national who has been extradited from a third country, that is UAE. In the last four years, 16 fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India. On India-UAE ties, Albanna said, "Bilateral ties are at its peak with high-level visits in many different sectors by ministers and CEOs. India is a major economic partner. We want to keep up with the relationship. We make sure things are on the right track. We have a special relationship because of the visits of PM Modi and crown prince of Abu Dhabi" PM Modi visited UAE in August of 2015 followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in February of 2016. Crown Prince was the Chief guest at India's Republic day in 2017 which was his second visit to India. Following the visit, PM Modi visited Dubai in 2018 for the sixth World Government Summit. UAE has announced that it will build the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi. Indian population in UAE currently stands at around 3.3 million, making it the largest concentration of Indian nationals outside India.

Christian Michel extradition to India was expedited due to close ties: UAE envoy

<p>A Special CBI Court on Monday allowed alleged AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to speak with his family and lawyers for 15-minutes in a week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On January 11, the Indian government granted British officials the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-case-christian-michel-received-money-from-other-defence-deals-as-well-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-188422">consular access to meet Christian Michel</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare.</p>

<p>"Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alleged <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> middleman Christian Michel has been granted 15- minute time in a week to speak to his family and lawyers by a special CBI Court. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/063fDa7m0j">pic.twitter.com/063fDa7m0j</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084751092368502784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court that Michel had spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.</p>

<p>The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)&nbsp;</p>


A Special CBI Court on Monday allowed alleged AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to speak with his family and lawyers for 15-minutes in a week. On January 11, the Indian government granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel.

A Special CBI Court on Monday allowed alleged AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to speak with his family and lawyers for 15-minutes in a week. On January 11, the Indian government granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel. The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare. "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said. Alleged #AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel has been granted 15- minute time in a week to speak to his family and lawyers by a special CBI Court. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/063fDa7m0j — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × Earlier, ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court that Michel had spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.'' Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland, news agency PTI reported. The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros. (With inputs from agencies)

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel gets 15 minutes a week to speak to family, lawyers

<p>The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland</a> case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access". A second secretary level officer from the British High Commission met Michel on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British High Commission also confirmed saying, "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare". The High Commission had requested India to grant consular access to Michel last month when he was extradited from the UAE.</p>

<p>Remember Christian Michel, who despite being a British national, was extradited from the UAE on December 2018. The operation to get him back was named operation 'Unicorn' and according to the CBI, it was "carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval" and was "coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao."</p>

<p>Michel's extradition is being considered a shot in the arm for the Modi government just before the 2019 polls. Reacting to the extradition, PM Modi had said, "we've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family (Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth."</p>

<p>He has been in the custody of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) since December. According to the ED, during an interrogation, Michel had taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi," though the reference wasn't clear. He had spoken about the "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country."</p>


The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the AgustaWestland case. On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access".

The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the AgustaWestland case. On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access". A second secretary level officer from the British High Commission met Michel on Thursday. The British High Commission also confirmed saying, "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare". The High Commission had requested India to grant consular access to Michel last month when he was extradited from the UAE. Remember Christian Michel, who despite being a British national, was extradited from the UAE on December 2018. The operation to get him back was named operation 'Unicorn' and according to the CBI, it was "carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval" and was "coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao." Michel's extradition is being considered a shot in the arm for the Modi government just before the 2019 polls. Reacting to the extradition, PM Modi had said, "we've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family (Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth." He has been in the custody of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) since December. According to the ED, during an interrogation, Michel had taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi," though the reference wasn't clear. He had spoken about the "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country."

India grants British High Commission consular access to Christian Michel

<p>The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland VVIP chopper</a> deal case, reported news agency ANI.</p>

<p>The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare, the report added.</p>

<p>"Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said.</p>

<p>Earlier ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody that he has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country''.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.&nbsp;</p>


The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, reported news agency ANI.

The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, reported news agency ANI. The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare, the report added. "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said. Earlier ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody that he has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country''. Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.

British High Commission in India gets consular access to Christian Michel 

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-case-christian-michel-received-money-from-other-defence-deals-as-well-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-188422">arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case</a>, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi-role aircraft deal.</p>

<p>The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-nirmala-sitharaman-hits-back-at-congress-president-says-rahul-gandhi-misleading-nation-188560">allegations on the (Rafale) deal</a>, Modi said at a rally here.</p>

<p>Citing media reports, Modi said Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well.</p>

<p>Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel, he said.</p>

<p>Modi said the 'chowkidar' (watchdog), who has embarked on a campaign to root-out corruption cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly.</p>

<p>The 'chowkidar' can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness, he said.&nbsp;</p>


The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal, Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi-role aircraft deal. The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal, Modi said at a rally here. Citing media reports, Modi said Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well. Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel, he said. Modi said the 'chowkidar' (watchdog), who has embarked on a campaign to root-out corruption cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly. The 'chowkidar' can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness, he said.

Michel was lobbying for Rafale rival; Congress should clarify: PM Modi

<p>Alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-to-be-major-issue-in-2019-polls-himachal-cm-187630">AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case</a>, received money from other defence deals as well which was to be probed, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Saturday told a Delhi court, which sent the accused to judicial custody.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The agency told special judge Arvind Kumar that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/friendship-between-one-family-and-christian-michel-time-tested-and-deep-amit-shah-187520">Michel</a> had received 24.25 million euros and 1,60,96,245 pounds from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-rahul-gandhi-never-interfered-in-any-defence-deal-a-k-antony-187517">AgustaWestland deal</a>.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"During the interrogation, it was observed that he had also received money from other defence deals, which the ED will enquire," it said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The ED's special public prosecutors, D P Singh and N K Matta, also told the court that the "accused has also routed money through 'hawala' operators for acquiring cash and for the purchase of property."<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The ED produced Michel before the court on the expiry of his 14-day custodial interrogation and requested the court to send him to judicial custody, claiming that he might flee from justice if left free.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"The accused is a British national and has no roots in India. There is every likelihood that he may abscond from India and evade the process of law, especially in the light of his past conduct.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"He has been brought to this court through rigorous extradition proceedings. His fleeing away from justice again cannot be ruled out," the ED said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The application was allowed by the court, which sent Michel to judicial custody till February 26.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
In the CBI case related to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, the court sent Michel to judicial custody till February 27.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Michel, who was extradited from Dubai recently, was arrested by the ED on December 22 and since then was in the agency's custody on a court order.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The ED told the court that it had identified Michel's properties purchased with the proceeds of crime.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"He has given contradictory answers to various questions and he was not able to explain the contradiction," it said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The agency told the court that the audit report submitted during the trial in an Italian court was appearing to be factually incorrect.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"Hence, it is required to be seen whether the Italian court had based its decision on the said audit report," it said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The ED added that it had "investigated how cash was transferred through 'hawala' and multiple bank accounts. We have found information about other defence deals. We need to investigate the money flowing there as well. We have documents to show that they misled the Italian court".<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The court had earlier imposed restrictions on Michel meeting his lawyers in ED custody after the agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates, asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi".</p>

<p>In its application seeking extension of Michel's remand, the agency also claimed that during questioning, he had spoken about the "son of an Italian lady" and how he was going to become the next prime minister of the country.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"We also need to decipher who the 'big man' referred to as 'R' is in the communications between Michel and other people," the ED told the court.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
It sought that Michel be barred from meeting his lawyers in custody, alleging that he was being tutored from outside through his lawyers.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The ED told the court that Michel had made a reference to "Mrs Gandhi" during his interrogation on December 27.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
During his medical examination, the accused had handed over a folded paper to his lawyer, Aljo K Joseph, which was noticed by the ED officials.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
After the perusal of the paper, it was revealed that it pertained to a set of follow-up questions on "Mrs Gandhi", the ED said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The agency told the court that it was clear that there was a conspiracy to shield or tamper with the evidence that could be brought forth from the questioning of the accused.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
It said it had discovered fresh evidence relating to new entities used for laundering the proceeds of crime and that Michel's custodial interrogation was needed for confronting his Indian connections identified till date.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The ED, in its remand application on Saturday, said the probe had revealed that Michel was the key middleman for AgustaWestland, pursuing the deal at different levels, and was instrumental in the circulation of sensitive information and eventual payment of kickbacks.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The key issues being investigated by the ED include the modus operandi adopted by the accused to eliminate TATA and HAL from competition in an Italian deal and the steps undertaken to mask the present deal as a British deal, instead of an Italian deal, to gain advantage in Light Observation Helicopters.</p>

<p>The agency is also probing the modus operandi adopted in influencing the German deal and how the accused misused information, leading to actions under the Official Secrets Act, and to determine if there were any more kickbacks, leading to the proceeds of crime linked with these activities.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The ED, in its chargesheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.</p>

<p>The CBI, in its chargesheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros.</p>


Alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, received money from other defence deals as well which was to be probed, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Saturday told a Delhi court, which sent the accused to judicial custody.

Alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, received money from other defence deals as well which was to be probed, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Saturday told a Delhi court, which sent the accused to judicial custody. The agency told special judge Arvind Kumar that Michel had received 24.25 million euros and 1,60,96,245 pounds from the AgustaWestland deal. "During the interrogation, it was observed that he had also received money from other defence deals, which the ED will enquire," it said. The ED's special public prosecutors, D P Singh and N K Matta, also told the court that the "accused has also routed money through 'hawala' operators for acquiring cash and for the purchase of property." The ED produced Michel before the court on the expiry of his 14-day custodial interrogation and requested the court to send him to judicial custody, claiming that he might flee from justice if left free. "The accused is a British national and has no roots in India. There is every likelihood that he may abscond from India and evade the process of law, especially in the light of his past conduct. "He has been brought to this court through rigorous extradition proceedings. His fleeing away from justice again cannot be ruled out," the ED said. The application was allowed by the court, which sent Michel to judicial custody till February 26. In the CBI case related to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, the court sent Michel to judicial custody till February 27. Michel, who was extradited from Dubai recently, was arrested by the ED on December 22 and since then was in the agency's custody on a court order. The ED told the court that it had identified Michel's properties purchased with the proceeds of crime. "He has given contradictory answers to various questions and he was not able to explain the contradiction," it said. The agency told the court that the audit report submitted during the trial in an Italian court was appearing to be factually incorrect. "Hence, it is required to be seen whether the Italian court had based its decision on the said audit report," it said. The ED added that it had "investigated how cash was transferred through 'hawala' and multiple bank accounts. We have found information about other defence deals. We need to investigate the money flowing there as well. We have documents to show that they misled the Italian court". The court had earlier imposed restrictions on Michel meeting his lawyers in ED custody after the agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates, asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi". In its application seeking extension of Michel's remand, the agency also claimed that during questioning, he had spoken about the "son of an Italian lady" and how he was going to become the next prime minister of the country. "We also need to decipher who the 'big man' referred to as 'R' is in the communications between Michel and other people," the ED told the court. It sought that Michel be barred from meeting his lawyers in custody, alleging that he was being tutored from outside through his lawyers. The ED told the court that Michel had made a reference to "Mrs Gandhi" during his interrogation on December 27. During his medical examination, the accused had handed over a folded paper to his lawyer, Aljo K Joseph, which was noticed by the ED officials. After the perusal of the paper, it was revealed that it pertained to a set of follow-up questions on "Mrs Gandhi", the ED said. The agency told the court that it was clear that there was a conspiracy to shield or tamper with the evidence that could be brought forth from the questioning of the accused. It said it had discovered fresh evidence relating to new entities used for laundering the proceeds of crime and that Michel's custodial interrogation was needed for confronting his Indian connections identified till date. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The ED, in its remand application on Saturday, said the probe had revealed that Michel was the key middleman for AgustaWestland, pursuing the deal at different levels, and was instrumental in the circulation of sensitive information and eventual payment of kickbacks. The key issues being investigated by the ED include the modus operandi adopted by the accused to eliminate TATA and HAL from competition in an Italian deal and the steps undertaken to mask the present deal as a British deal, instead of an Italian deal, to gain advantage in Light Observation Helicopters. The agency is also probing the modus operandi adopted in influencing the German deal and how the accused misused information, leading to actions under the Official Secrets Act, and to determine if there were any more kickbacks, leading to the proceeds of crime linked with these activities. The ED, in its chargesheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. The CBI, in its chargesheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros.

AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case: Christian Michel received money from other defence deals as well Enforcement Directorate tells court

<p>Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep".</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, Shah also asked if Michel wanted details of his questioning by investigators to be passed onto "Mrs Gandhi".</p>

<p>"Trails of the AgustaWestland Case?the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs Gandhi to his lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs Gandhi herself? Why?" he tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trails of the AgustaWestland Case…the SOS of Christian Michel.<br />
<br />
Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs. Gandhi to his Lawyer?&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs. Gandhi herself? Why?</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651578670399488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shah said Michel's lawyer had admitted that the alleged middleman indeed passed paper to him and claimed that he thought it was a list of medicines.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Michel’s lawyer has admitted that the paper was indeed passed on to him. He thought that it was a list of medicines, which could have been transparently given in any case.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
We have heard of Zandu Balm and Tiger Balm but what is this ‘Family Balm’ that every middleman wants?</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651611763445763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP president took an apparent swipe at the Gandhi family, saying people have heard of Zandu balm and Tiger balm -- medicines used to relieve pain -- but what is this "family balm" that every middleman wants.</p>

<p>"In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel's lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a sham. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs Gandhi!" Shah said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel’s lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a SHAM. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs. Gandhi!</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651679996399616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress had expelled Aljo K Joseph, an office bearer in its youth wing, after he appeared as a counsel for Michel.</p>

<p>"In national interest, Michel's lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep," Shah said.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In national interest, Michel’s lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs. Gandhi.<br />
<br />
Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep.</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651737420603393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A Delhi court had Saturday imposed restrictions on Michel, the alleged middleman in the purchase of VVIP choppers during the UPA's tenure, meeting his lawyers in Enforcement Directorate's custody. The directions were given after the probe agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi".</p>

<p>The agency also claimed that he has spoken about "son of an Italian lady" and taken "Mrs Gandhi's" name in reference to a query.</p>

<p>The BJP has used this disclosure to attack the Congress, especially the Gandhi family.</p>


Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep".

Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep". In a series of tweets, Shah also asked if Michel wanted details of his questioning by investigators to be passed onto "Mrs Gandhi". "Trails of the AgustaWestland Case?the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs Gandhi to his lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs Gandhi herself? Why?" he tweeted. Trails of the AgustaWestland Case…the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs. Gandhi to his Lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs. Gandhi herself? Why? — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × Shah said Michel's lawyer had admitted that the alleged middleman indeed passed paper to him and claimed that he thought it was a list of medicines. Michel’s lawyer has admitted that the paper was indeed passed on to him. He thought that it was a list of medicines, which could have been transparently given in any case. We have heard of Zandu Balm and Tiger Balm but what is this ‘Family Balm’ that every middleman wants? — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × The BJP president took an apparent swipe at the Gandhi family, saying people have heard of Zandu balm and Tiger balm -- medicines used to relieve pain -- but what is this "family balm" that every middleman wants. "In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel's lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a sham. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs Gandhi!" Shah said. In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel’s lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a SHAM. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs. Gandhi! — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × The Congress had expelled Aljo K Joseph, an office bearer in its youth wing, after he appeared as a counsel for Michel. "In national interest, Michel's lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep," Shah said. In national interest, Michel’s lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs. Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × A Delhi court had Saturday imposed restrictions on Michel, the alleged middleman in the purchase of VVIP choppers during the UPA's tenure, meeting his lawyers in Enforcement Directorate's custody. The directions were given after the probe agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi". The agency also claimed that he has spoken about "son of an Italian lady" and taken "Mrs Gandhi's" name in reference to a query. The BJP has used this disclosure to attack the Congress, especially the Gandhi family.

Friendship between one family and Christian Michel 'time-tested and deep': Amit Shah

AgustaWestland scam: Michel caught handing chits to lawyers

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">probe</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">, ED tells </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">court</a></p>

<p>In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore &nbsp;AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy divers arrive at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">site</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">, join operations</a></p>

<p>A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-security-forces-kill-40-suspected-militants-after-giza-bus-attack-187168">Egypt security forces kill 40 suspected militants after Giza bus attack</a></p>

<p>Egyptian police killed 40 "terrorists" in separate raids early Saturday, a day after a roadside bomb near the Giza pyramids killed three Vietnamese tourists and their guide, the interior ministry said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-one-of-the-best-indian-bowling-attacks-that-i-have-ever-seen-says-nathan-lyon-187213">India vs Australia: One of the best Indian bowling attacks that I have ever seen, says Nathan Lyon</a></p>

<p>Australia were at 258 for eight at stumps on the fourth day of the third Test against India in Melbourne. India set a target of 399 after the visitors declared their second innings at 106 for eight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">Bangladesh polls: Around 600,000 security personnel deployed ahead of Sunday elections</a></p>

<p>Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.

AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear. Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy divers arrive at site, join operations A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said. Egypt security forces kill 40 suspected militants after Giza bus attack Egyptian police killed 40 "terrorists" in separate raids early Saturday, a day after a roadside bomb near the Giza pyramids killed three Vietnamese tourists and their guide, the interior ministry said. India vs Australia: One of the best Indian bowling attacks that I have ever seen, says Nathan Lyon Australia were at 258 for eight at stumps on the fourth day of the third Test against India in Melbourne. India set a target of 399 after the visitors declared their second innings at 106 for eight. Bangladesh polls: Around 600,000 security personnel deployed ahead of Sunday elections Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/16-fugitive-extradited-back-to-india-in-last-4-years-5-in-2018-187061">Christian Michel the man who was the key </a>middleman in the Rs 3600 crore&nbsp; AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them.</p>

<p>Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen."</p>

<p>ED has got 7-day custody of Michel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agustawestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Agustawestland</a> <a href="https://t.co/qCxYeObJYN">pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078951959976206337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&amp;‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security <a href="https://t.co/LqGRuSGoDv">pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078980179425320960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets".</p>

<p>Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.</p>


In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear. The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that. The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata. ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them. Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen." ED has got 7-day custody of Michel. The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family". RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. #Agustawestland pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security. Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day. Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets". Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.

AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court

Breaking News: Michel names Gandhis' in AugustaWestland scam

<p>Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Agusta Westland case: Enforcement Directorate tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi but in what reference can't be said right now. <a href="https://t.co/9foBKVd3V0">pic.twitter.com/9foBKVd3V0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078947808030289920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ED also told the special court that Christian Michel had spoken about "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the "next prime minister of the country".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ED in Delhi's Patiala House court: Christian Michel has also spoken about “the son of the Italian lady” and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078950427276627968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>ED's lawyer said that Michel has spelt out how state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal and how it was offered to Tata instead.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Agusta Westland case: ED tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has identified how HAL was removed from the deal and the deal was offered to Tata instead. ED also seeks to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside <a href="https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH">https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078948638548733952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging that he is being tutored from outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Christian Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI.&nbsp;The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days.</p>

<p>The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.</p>

<p>The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.</p>


Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made.

Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made. Agusta Westland case: Enforcement Directorate tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi but in what reference can't be said right now. pic.twitter.com/9foBKVd3V0 — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × The ED also told the special court that Christian Michel had spoken about "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the "next prime minister of the country". ED in Delhi's Patiala House court: Christian Michel has also spoken about “the son of the Italian lady” and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. #AgustaWestland — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × ED's lawyer said that Michel has spelt out how state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal and how it was offered to Tata instead. Agusta Westland case: ED tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has identified how HAL was removed from the deal and the deal was offered to Tata instead. ED also seeks to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging that he is being tutored from outside. Christian Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Christian Michel names 'Mrs Gandhi', context not specified: ED to Delhi court

<p>A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Special Judge Arvind Kumar dismissed the bail plea of Michel, the alleged middleman in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Michel in a money laundering case and sought his 15 days-custody.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court allowed the ED to interrogate the British national inside courtroom for 15 minutes after the agency sought his custodial interrogation. He was arrested after that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ED had sought his arrest in a money-laundering case. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi Court allows Enforcement Directorate to interrogate Christian Michel for 15 minutes, questioning underway in courtroom <a href="https://t.co/M5WaC6IJbV">https://t.co/M5WaC6IJbV</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076403907126005761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days.</p>

<p>The court had reserved the order on Michel's bail plea on December 19 and had sent him to judicial custody till December 28.</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.</p>

<p>The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.</p>


A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate.

A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate. Special Judge Arvind Kumar dismissed the bail plea of Michel, the alleged middleman in the case. Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Michel in a money laundering case and sought his 15 days-custody. The court allowed the ED to interrogate the British national inside courtroom for 15 minutes after the agency sought his custodial interrogation. He was arrested after that. The ED had sought his arrest in a money-laundering case. Delhi Court allows Enforcement Directorate to interrogate Christian Michel for 15 minutes, questioning underway in courtroom https://t.co/M5WaC6IJbV — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days. The court had reserved the order on Michel's bail plea on December 19 and had sent him to judicial custody till December 28. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

VVIP chopper case: Court sends Christian Michel to 7-day custody after ED arrest

<p>The alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-christian-michels-lawyer-speaks-to-wion-183965"> Christian Michel</a>, on Friday moved an application in the Patiala House Court seeking a special cell in the Tihar Jail.</p>

<p>The development comes after Michel was sent to judicial custody till December 28 by a Delhi court on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Michel arrived in New Delhi on December 5 after being extradited to India from Dubai. He was later sent to Central Bureau of Investigation custody.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/global-leadership-series-former-italy-pm-on-agustawestland-brexit-trump-and-more-184089">AgustaWestland </a>chopper deal, finalised during the previous Manmohan Singh-led UPA government, was mired in allegations of kickbacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with some others, including former Air Chief SP Tyagi.</p>

<p>According to the Enforcement Directorate charge sheet filed in a court here two years back, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VIP helicopters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations.&nbsp;</p>


The alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel, on Friday moved an application in the Patiala House Court seeking a special cell in the Tihar Jail.

The alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel, on Friday moved an application in the Patiala House Court seeking a special cell in the Tihar Jail. The development comes after Michel was sent to judicial custody till December 28 by a Delhi court on Wednesday. Michel arrived in New Delhi on December 5 after being extradited to India from Dubai. He was later sent to Central Bureau of Investigation custody. The AgustaWestland chopper deal, finalised during the previous Manmohan Singh-led UPA government, was mired in allegations of kickbacks. 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with some others, including former Air Chief SP Tyagi. According to the Enforcement Directorate charge sheet filed in a court here two years back, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations.

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel moves Delhi court for special cell in Tihar jail

<p>A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for December 22 its order on bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman charge-sheeted and arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case&nbsp;and sent him to judicial custody till December 28.</p>

<p>The counsel for 57-year-old British national told Special Judge Arvind Kumar that he was not required for custodial interrogation and no purpose will be served by keeping him in further custody.</p>

<p>"My handwriting has already been taken. There were no original documents with the CBI to match it with. I have volunteered to provide all the documents," Michel's counsel Aljo K Joseph told the court.</p>

<p>He was in CBI custody for 15 days.</p>

<p>Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced in the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended by five more days.</p>

<p>Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.</p>

<p>Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.</p>

<p>The CBI opposed the bail application, saying Michel might flee as he had already tried to escape from Dubai just before his extradition.</p>

<p>The probe agency said that Michel was an influential person having links with people from the ministry and other bureaucrats and politicians, many of who are its witnesses in the case.</p>

<p>"We brought him with so much difficulty. Some new facts have emerged and we need to have follow ups on those. He has not been a cooperative witness.</p>

<p>A lot more to be unearthed of out own. He has no roots in India here. He has property etc but he may sell them and go away," the probe agency said.</p>

<p>The court had earlier extended by four days the CBI custody of Michel on the ground that he needed to be confronted with various documents in the case.</p>

<p>The CBI had said that he was required to be taken to the premises of Pawan Hans India Ltd in Mumbai to verify his version of his alleged attempted negotiations to buy back WG-30 helicopters, to identify the shipper and to confront the officials of Pawan Hans India.</p>

<p>The agency said that voluminous documents have been received from various countries pursuant to the 'Letter of Requests' and the accused was yet to be confronted with a number of them.</p>

<p>The defence counsel had opposed the CBI application for further remand, saying already enough time was granted to the agency and nothing incriminating was found against the accused.</p>

<p>The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.</p>

<p>The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.</p>


A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for December 22 its order on bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman charge-sheeted and arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case and sent him to judicial custody till December 28.

A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for December 22 its order on bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman charge-sheeted and arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case and sent him to judicial custody till December 28. The counsel for 57-year-old British national told Special Judge Arvind Kumar that he was not required for custodial interrogation and no purpose will be served by keeping him in further custody. "My handwriting has already been taken. There were no original documents with the CBI to match it with. I have volunteered to provide all the documents," Michel's counsel Aljo K Joseph told the court. He was in CBI custody for 15 days. Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced in the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended by five more days. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. The CBI opposed the bail application, saying Michel might flee as he had already tried to escape from Dubai just before his extradition. The probe agency said that Michel was an influential person having links with people from the ministry and other bureaucrats and politicians, many of who are its witnesses in the case. "We brought him with so much difficulty. Some new facts have emerged and we need to have follow ups on those. He has not been a cooperative witness. A lot more to be unearthed of out own. He has no roots in India here. He has property etc but he may sell them and go away," the probe agency said. The court had earlier extended by four days the CBI custody of Michel on the ground that he needed to be confronted with various documents in the case. The CBI had said that he was required to be taken to the premises of Pawan Hans India Ltd in Mumbai to verify his version of his alleged attempted negotiations to buy back WG-30 helicopters, to identify the shipper and to confront the officials of Pawan Hans India. The agency said that voluminous documents have been received from various countries pursuant to the 'Letter of Requests' and the accused was yet to be confronted with a number of them. The defence counsel had opposed the CBI application for further remand, saying already enough time was granted to the agency and nothing incriminating was found against the accused. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

AgustaWestland case: Delhi court reserves for December 22 order on Christian Michel's bail plea

<p>The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of&nbsp;Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next hearing in the case is is scheduled for December 19.</p>

<p>The court meanwhile&nbsp;rejected the plea of Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizi demanding a meeting with Michel. However, allowed Patrizi to talk to Michel for ten minutes.</p>

<p>The investigating bureau&nbsp;had sought for an extension in the remand of Michael by five days.</p>

<p>The probe agency also told the judge he needs to be confronted with various documents in the case.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> case: CBI seeks further 5 days remand of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianMichel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianMichel</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073880214600601600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rosemary Patrizi, lawyer of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianMichel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianMichel</a> arrives in Delhi's Patiala House Court. Michel's custody ends today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> <a href="https://t.co/6MAcmPTIzD">pic.twitter.com/6MAcmPTIzD</a></p>
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<p>Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next day, he was produced before the court which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended to five more days.</p>

<p>Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.</p>

<p>The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days. The next hearing in the case is is scheduled for December 19.

The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days. The next hearing in the case is is scheduled for December 19. The court meanwhile rejected the plea of Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizi demanding a meeting with Michel. However, allowed Patrizi to talk to Michel for ten minutes. The investigating bureau had sought for an extension in the remand of Michael by five days. The probe agency also told the judge he needs to be confronted with various documents in the case. #AgustaWestland case: CBI seeks further 5 days remand of #ChristianMichel — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × Rosemary Patrizi, lawyer of #ChristianMichel arrives in Delhi's Patiala House Court. Michel's custody ends today #AgustaWestland pic.twitter.com/6MAcmPTIzD — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended to five more days. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. (With inputs from agencies)

AgustaWestland case: Court extends Christian Michel's CBI custody by 4 days

WION exclusive: Christian Michel's lawyer speaks to WION

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