AgustaWestland chopper case: Key accused Michel says 'corruption happened in Italy, not India'

Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the AugustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal case, has said that the corruption related to the deal took place in Italy and not in India.

“No corruption happened in India. The corruption took place in Italy,” ANI quoted Michel as telling reporters.

#WATCH | Augusta Westland VVIP chopper case accused, Christian Michel James, says, "No corruption happened in India. The corruption took place in Italy...Absolutely not (on being asked if he was in touch with the Gandhi family)..." pic.twitter.com/1dHucFoTdP

— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025

When asked if he had any contact with the Gandhi family, Michel firmly responded, “Absolutely not.”

Michel is currently facing investigation by Indian authorities in connection with the 2010 deal for the purchase of 12 luxury helicopters from Italian firm AugustaWestland, meant for VVIP transport.

The case has drawn significant political attention due to alleged links to high-profile individuals in India.

The AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal was finalised during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but became mired in allegations of kickbacks.

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Michel, the alleged middleman and accused in the Rs 3,600 crore case, was extradited from the UAE in December 2018.

He is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the multi-crore chopper deal.

With inputs from agencies