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Tag: Christian Michel

  • AgustaWestland chopper case: Christian Michel tried to go confidential papers to counsel, ED to SC

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday knowledgeable the Apex Court that British citizen Christian Michel, accused within the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper rip-off, has tried to go confidential papers to his counsel on the time of authorized entry.

    The ED filed an affidavit within the prime court docket opposing Michel’s bail plea within the case.

    “It is submitted that during the course of Michel’s custodial interrogation, the accused has tried to pass confidential papers to his counsel at the time of legal access,” mentioned the ED.

    It mentioned that additional investigation within the current case remains to be ongoing and plenty of essential paperwork are required to be collected throughout jurisdictions for the aim of the investigation subsequently it’s strongly apprehended that he would possibly attempt to tamper with the witnesses or proof and impede the judicial course of.

    “Christian Michel James during his custodial interrogation undertook to provide the bank statements of his companies and the agreements and other relevant documents. He was also interrogated in Tihar Jail, New Delhi after taking permission from the Trial Court and during that time he also undertook to provide the said documents through the assistance of his lawyers, however, no information has been provided till date,” the affidavit added.

    “Michel is a key accused in the instant case and is accused of having played a pivotal role in the entire case, being a middleman engaged by M/s Augusta Westland for obtaining confidential information regarding the procurement process of VVIP helicopters by the government of India and was admittedly paid Euro 42 million for influencing the contract in its favour under the guise of five contracts (two of them revised time and again) through two of his firms namely M/s Global Trade & Commerce Ltd. London and M/s Global Services FZE, Dubai, UAE with M/s Finmeccanica, M/s Agusta Westland, M/s Westland Helicopters UK etc. to legitimize the illicit commission/kickbacks on the procurement of VVIP Helicopters by Ministry of Defense, India which constitutes a grave economic offence,” ED added in its affidavit.

    The investigating company informed the bench that the function of Michel is clearly established and the offence of cash laundering is squarely made out in opposition to him.

    Earlier, the apex court docket had issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and ED on the bail petitions of Michel in reference to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper rip-off being probed by the businesses.

    Advocate showing for Michel had contended earlier than the highest court docket that the investigations are nonetheless not accomplished and he has undergone three years and 6 months as of now and earlier than extradition, he was in Dubai custody.

    Michel had challenged within the apex court docket the March 11 order of the Delhi High Court which had refused to grant him bail.

    In the High Court, ED and CBI had opposed the bail petition filed by Michel in reference to the VVIP chopper case.

    CBI had mentioned that he has a flight danger and it fears that due to the way in which the British authorities helps him, he would possibly flee and can by no means return.

    Michel had contended earlier than the High Court that every one the opposite accused within the case bought bail in 60 days and he’s the one one who hasn’t been given the bail and is struggling incarnation.

    READ HERE | AgustaWestland case: SG is Sushen Gupta not Sonia Gandhi, clarifies ED

    According to the bail petition, Michel mentioned that as a bail situation he can be obtainable to hitch the investigation and trial as and when required and has by no means sought to evade the method of regulation.

    Earlier, the trial court docket had rejected his bail plea and had proven its displeasure with the British High Commission for sending a letter addressed to it stating that the medical situation of Michel and his pre-trial detention of two and half years could also be taken under consideration when his bail utility is taken into account.

    Christian Michel James was extradited in 2018 after India gained the extradition case in Dubai. Christian Michel, the alleged intermediary within the deal, was deported from the UAE and is presently in judicial custody.

    The Dubai-based businessman Rajeev Saxena was extradited to India on January 31, 2019, in reference to the Rs 3,600-crore alleged rip-off referring to the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.

    NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday knowledgeable the Apex Court that British citizen Christian Michel, accused within the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper rip-off, has tried to go confidential papers to his counsel on the time of authorized entry.

    The ED filed an affidavit within the prime court docket opposing Michel’s bail plea within the case.

    “It is submitted that during the course of Michel’s custodial interrogation, the accused has tried to pass confidential papers to his counsel at the time of legal access,” mentioned the ED.

    It mentioned that additional investigation within the current case remains to be ongoing and plenty of essential paperwork are required to be collected throughout jurisdictions for the aim of the investigation subsequently it’s strongly apprehended that he would possibly attempt to tamper with the witnesses or proof and impede the judicial course of.

    “Christian Michel James during his custodial interrogation undertook to provide the bank statements of his companies and the agreements and other relevant documents. He was also interrogated in Tihar Jail, New Delhi after taking permission from the Trial Court and during that time he also undertook to provide the said documents through the assistance of his lawyers, however, no information has been provided till date,” the affidavit added.

    “Michel is a key accused in the instant case and is accused of having played a pivotal role in the entire case, being a middleman engaged by M/s Augusta Westland for obtaining confidential information regarding the procurement process of VVIP helicopters by the government of India and was admittedly paid Euro 42 million for influencing the contract in its favour under the guise of five contracts (two of them revised time and again) through two of his firms namely M/s Global Trade & Commerce Ltd. London and M/s Global Services FZE, Dubai, UAE with M/s Finmeccanica, M/s Agusta Westland, M/s Westland Helicopters UK etc. to legitimize the illicit commission/kickbacks on the procurement of VVIP Helicopters by Ministry of Defense, India which constitutes a grave economic offence,” ED added in its affidavit.

    The investigating company informed the bench that the function of Michel is clearly established and the offence of cash laundering is squarely made out in opposition to him.

    Earlier, the apex court docket had issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and ED on the bail petitions of Michel in reference to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper rip-off being probed by the businesses.

    Advocate showing for Michel had contended earlier than the highest court docket that the investigations are nonetheless not accomplished and he has undergone three years and 6 months as of now and earlier than extradition, he was in Dubai custody.

    Michel had challenged within the apex court docket the March 11 order of the Delhi High Court which had refused to grant him bail.

    In the High Court, ED and CBI had opposed the bail petition filed by Michel in reference to the VVIP chopper case.

    CBI had mentioned that he has a flight danger and it fears that due to the way in which the British authorities helps him, he would possibly flee and can by no means return.

    Michel had contended earlier than the High Court that every one the opposite accused within the case bought bail in 60 days and he’s the one one who hasn’t been given the bail and is struggling incarnation.

    READ HERE | AgustaWestland case: SG is Sushen Gupta not Sonia Gandhi, clarifies ED

    According to the bail petition, Michel mentioned that as a bail situation he can be obtainable to hitch the investigation and trial as and when required and has by no means sought to evade the method of regulation.

    Earlier, the trial court docket had rejected his bail plea and had proven its displeasure with the British High Commission for sending a letter addressed to it stating that the medical situation of Michel and his pre-trial detention of two and half years could also be taken under consideration when his bail utility is taken into account.

    Christian Michel James was extradited in 2018 after India gained the extradition case in Dubai. Christian Michel, the alleged intermediary within the deal, was deported from the UAE and is presently in judicial custody.

    The Dubai-based businessman Rajeev Saxena was extradited to India on January 31, 2019, in reference to the Rs 3,600-crore alleged rip-off referring to the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.

  • VVIP chopper rip-off: SC sends discover to CBI, ED on bail plea of British citizen Christian Michel

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) on bail petitions of British citizen Christian Michel in reference to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper rip-off being probed by the companies.

    A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud issued discover to the CBI and ED on Michael’s bail pleas and sought their responses inside 4 weeks and listed the matter for listening to in July.

    Advocate showing for Michel contended earlier than the highest court docket that the investigations are nonetheless not accomplished and he has undergone three years and 6 months as of now and earlier than extradition, he was in Dubai custody.

    Michel has challenged within the apex court docket the March 11 order of the Delhi High Court which had refused to grant him bail. In the High Court, ED and CBI had opposed the bail petition filed by Michel in reference to the VVIP chopper case.

    CBI had mentioned that he has a flight danger and it fears that due to the best way the British authorities helps him, he may flee and can by no means return. Michel had contended earlier than the High Court that each one the opposite accused within the case bought bail in 60 days and he’s the one one who hasn’t been given the bail and struggling incarnation.

    According to the bail petition, Michel mentioned that as a bail situation he will likely be out there to affix the investigation and trial as and when required and has by no means sought to evade the method of regulation.

    Earlier, the trial court docket had rejected his bail plea and had proven its displeasure with the British High Commission for sending a letter addressed to it stating that his medical situation of Michel and his pre-trial detention of two and half years could also be taken under consideration when his bail utility is taken into account.

    Christian Michel James was extradited in 2018 after India gained the extradition case in Dubai. Christian Michel, the alleged intermediary within the deal, was deported from the UAE and is presently in judicial custody.

    The Dubai-based businessman Rajeev Saxena was extradited to India on January 31, 2019, in reference to the Rs 3,600-crore alleged rip-off regarding the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.

  • UN panel’s conclusions on Michel based mostly on restricted info, biased allegations: MEA

    Rejecting the opinion of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calling for instant launch of AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case accused British nationwide Christian Michel, India on Friday mentioned the conclusions drawn by the UN panel are based mostly on restricted info, biased allegations and an inaccurate understanding of its legal justice system.
    India additionally made it clear that the Working Group will not be a judicial physique, and due to this fact, its opinions are usually not legally binding on the member states.
    AFP on Thursday reported that the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) discovered that Michel, who has been held in India since December 2018 after being extradited from the United Arab Emirates, was being “detained arbitrarily”.
    Responding to queries over the report, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava mentioned, “We have seen selective leaks of the opinion of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning the case of Mr. Christian James Michel, even before its official release.”
    “At the outset we would like to make it clear that the Working Group is not a judicial body, and therefore, its opinions are not legally binding on the Member States,” he mentioned.
    Srivastava mentioned the Indian authorities supplied well timed info on this difficulty to the Working Group in June 2020, at their request.
    “We regret that the conclusions drawn by the Working Group are based on limited information, biased allegations from an unidentified source and on an inaccurate understanding of India’s criminal justice system,” he asserted.
    The extradition was finished solely in accordance with the provisions of the extradition treaty signed between two sovereign states, Srivastava mentioned, including that the arrest and subsequent custody had been finished as per the due technique of regulation and can’t be thought of arbitrary on any grounds.
    “At no time was the accused denied his rights to legal counsel or a fair hearing. The fact that he has been able to approach courts on multiple occasions including the higher judiciary is itself proof of this,” the MEA Spokesperson mentioned.
    There have additionally been no restrictions on consular entry by the authorities, he asserted.
    Michel has been handled on par with different detainees and supplied all services by the jail authorities as per guidelines, Srivastava mentioned.
    The Working Group must be conscious that India has a strong grievance redressal mechanisms in opposition to allegations of violations of human rights in a vibrant and impartial judiciary and a ‘category A’ National Human Rights Commission compliant with the Paris Principles, he mentioned.

    Srivastava mentioned the allegations which kind the idea of the opinion rendered by the Working Group are opposite to details.
    “The Government of India therefore, rejects the opinion rendered by the Working Group,” he mentioned.
    India, as a accountable member of the Human Rights Council, will proceed to cooperate with the Working Group and supply it with the mandatory info to the extent attainable underneath Indian legal guidelines, to advertise and defend human rights of all, the MEA spokesperson mentioned.

    Michel is an accused within the VVIP chopper rip-off and has been in jail ever since he was introduced on a particular airplane from Dubai after UAE authorities handed him over to the Indian authorities in December 2018.

  • UN panel’s conclusions on VVIP chopper rip-off accused Michel primarily based on restricted information, biased allegations: MEA

    Image Source : FILE PHOTO Conclusions drawn by Working Group primarily based on restricted data, biased allegations from an unidentified supply and on an inaccurate understanding of India’s prison justice system, says MEA on queries on opinion of Working Group on Arbitrary Detention regarding Christian Michel.
    Rejecting the opinion of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calling for the fast launch of AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case accused British nationwide Christian Michel, India on Friday stated the conclusions drawn by the UN panel are primarily based on restricted data, biased allegations and an inaccurate understanding of its prison justice system.

    India additionally made it clear that the Working Group will not be a judicial physique, and due to this fact, its opinions are usually not legally binding on the member states.

    Detained Arbitrarily: WGAD 

    AFP on Thursday reported that the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) discovered that Michel, who has been held in India since December 2018 after being extradited from the United Arab Emirates, was being “detained arbitrarily”.

    Responding to queries over the report, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava stated, “We have seen selective leaks of the opinion of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning the case of Christian James Michel, even before its official release.”

    “At the outset we would like to make it clear that the Working Group is not a judicial body, and therefore, its opinions are not legally binding on the Member States,” he stated.

    Srivastava stated the Indian authorities offered well timed data on this situation to the Working Group in June 2020, at their request.

    Conclusions primarily based on biased allegations says MEA

    “We regret that the conclusions drawn by the Working Group are based on limited information, biased allegations from an unidentified source and on an inaccurate understanding of India’s criminal justice system,” he asserted.

    The extradition was achieved totally in accordance with the provisions of the extradition treaty signed between two sovereign states, Srivastava stated, including that the arrest and subsequent custody have been achieved as per the due means of regulation and can’t be thought of arbitrary on any grounds.

    “At no time was the accused denied his rights to legal counsel or a fair hearing. The fact that he has been able to approach courts on multiple occasions including the higher judiciary is itself proof of this,” the MEA Spokesperson stated.

    There have additionally been no restrictions on consular entry by the authorities, he asserted.

    Michel has been handled on par with different detainees and offered all services by the jail authorities as per guidelines, Srivastava stated.

    The Working Group needs to be conscious that India has a strong grievance redressal mechanisms in opposition to allegations of violations of human rights in a vibrant and unbiased judiciary and a ‘class A’ National Human Rights Commission compliant with the Paris Principles, he stated.

    Srivastava stated the allegations which kind the idea of the opinion rendered by the Working Group are opposite to details.

    “The Government of India, therefore, rejects the opinion rendered by the Working Group,” he stated.

    India, as a accountable member of the Human Rights Council, will proceed to cooperate with the Working Group and supply it with the mandatory data to the extent potential below Indian legal guidelines, to advertise and shield human rights of all, the MEA spokesperson stated.

    Michel is an accused within the VVIP chopper rip-off and has been in jail ever since he was introduced on a particular airplane from Dubai after UAE authorities handed him over to the Indian authorities in December 2018.
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