Chopper scam: Middleman says will to meet Indian cops in Dubai

New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI) Embattled middleman in the VVIPchopper scam Christian James Michel has written to CBI, sayinghe is willing to meet with Indian investigators in Dubai andhas sought the withdrawal of Interpol Red Corner Noticeagainst him in case the meeting takes place. In the letter to CBI on August 25, the English law firmrepresenting him, said Michel is ready for a meeting at theIndian consulate in Dubai too. Claiming to be innocent, he said he might have someinformation which could enable the Indian authorities toprogress with their probe into the scandal. Michel, against whom there exists a non-bailable warrant,said he is reluctant to come to India for the proposedquestioning as he fears that "a long period of time mightelapse", between his questioning here and withdrawal ofcriminal charges or conclusion of criminal trial, during whichhe will be detained against his wish. "Michel vigorously denies having been involved in anywrongdoing relating to this matter — and in particular, weare instructed that he denies making or facilitating anycorrupt payments to inducements relating to this matter," theletter read. The British national has also claimed that he has notreceived any communication from the Indian authority regardingthe charge sheet against him in court and the issuance of non-bailable warrant. Subject to certain conditions, Michel has offered toreturn to India not less than 7 days before the scheduledstart of any criminal trial against him and attend every courthearing which he might be required to attend "until hisinnocence or guilt has been established". The conditions for the same are that within two days ofthe meeting with investigators in Dubai or through videoconference, they shall ask Interpol to withdraw the Red CornerNotice against him as long as he sticks to his promise ofappearing in court. He also wants that no authority shall arrest or otherwisedetain him in relation to this matter until he is found guiltyand subsequently sentenced. Michel had allegedly played a key role in swinging the Rs3,727-crore deal for AgustaWestland to supply 12 VVIP choppersto India in 2010. AgustaWestland, a subsidiary of Italian defence giantFinmeccanica, allegedly paid more than Rs 370 crore askickbacks to secure the deal. PTI SAPSC