CBI seeks information from Italy on ‘agusta agent’

The CBI has sought details from the Indian embassy in Italy about the arrest of Guido Ralph Haschke, the alleged middleman in the `3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal.

The CBI has sought details from the Indian embassy in Italy about the arrest of Guido Ralph Haschke, the alleged middleman in the Rs. 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal.

Haschke was arrested in Switzerland on request of the Italian authorities, probing allegations of bribery in the chopper deal. Haschke has been named as an accused in the FIR registered by the CBI in the case.

A letter has been sent to Indian embassy seeking details of his custody and ongoing probe, agency sources said. CBI will also send a judicial request to Italy seeking details of statements given by the accused.

The AgustaWestland helicopter contract is being probed by the Italian and Indian investigators for alleged kickbacks paid to Indian officials to swing the deal.

The CBI in its FIR in the case alleged that Guido Haschke and another middleman Carlo Gerosa sent 5.6 million euros through the Mohali-based IDS Infotech.