The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its verdict on the bail plea of Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma took this decision after hearing extensive arguments presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Michel’s counsel.
The case pertains to reported irregularities linked to the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters from the Italian aerospace company AgustaWestland. Investigations by Indian agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), suggest significant financial misconduct involving multiple intermediaries.
During the hearing, the ED's counsel strongly opposed Michel's bail application, arguing that the British national did not fulfill the "twin tests" required under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The counsel further contended that Michel posed a serious flight risk if released on bail.
In response, Michel’s lawyer argued for relief on humanitarian and legal grounds, emphasizing that Michel had already served a substantial duration in custody. Highlighting the maximum punishment of seven years stipulated under the anti-money laundering law, Michel's counsel pointed out that his client has already spent more than six years behind bars.
Michel, who was extradited from Dubai to India in December 2018, was arrested immediately upon arrival by both the CBI and ED. He is among three alleged intermediaries under investigation in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. The other two middlemen identified by investigators are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.
According to the chargesheet filed by the CBI, the controversial helicopter deal, finalized on February 8, 2010, resulted in a substantial loss of approximately €398.21 million (around Rs 2,666 crore) to the Indian exchequer. The contract had been valued at €556.262 million.
The Enforcement Directorate, in its chargesheet against Michel filed in June 2016, accused him of receiving illegal payments amounting to €30 million (around Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.
Previously, Michel received relief from the Supreme Court, which granted him bail on February 18, 2025, in the separate case filed by the CBI.
The Delhi High Court’s upcoming verdict will determine Michel’s fate regarding the ED's money laundering allegations.
