VVIP Chopper Scam: Christian Michel goes missing since UAE court ordered extradition to India, claims media reports

Christian Michel, a key accused in multicrore VVIP Chopper scam goes missing since UAE court ordered extradition to India, reported NDTV. Michel was held in the UAE last year and was facing extradition proceedings in the country. He is wanted in India for allegedly organising bribes for indian politicians in exchange for a contract for VVIP helicopters.

Christian Michel James, UK national is  one of a key accused in the UPA government-era VVIP chopper scam to India. Michel was the middleman in the multicrore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper. He can spill out the names of the Indian politicians and bureaucrats who were paid bribes in the Rs 3,727 crore deal. He may also unlock his relationship with two other middlemen — Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

The AgustaWestland Chopper scam involves a 2007 contract that was signed and approved by the UPA government for the purchase of 12 luxury helicopters for use by top leaders, including the President, Prime Minister and former prime ministers.

In an Italian court, the judgment that around half of the money was paid to Indian politicians. Michel's extradition will help BJP government to attack Congress over the scandal and get rid of the alleged Rafale deal. Michel's custodial interrogation may help the centre to unravel the mystery behind the Rs 35 million amount that was paid to move the deal in favour of the Italian company.

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