VVIP chopper case: Delhi HC denies bail to accused Michel

James, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the ED on December 22, 2018, in connection to the alleged AgustaWestland scam related to corruption and money laundering cases in the procurement of 12 VVIP choppers.

The Delhi high court on Friday declined bail to alleged middleman Christian Michel, accused in the AgustaWestland scam being probed by both the CBI and the ED.

James had moved high court challenging the June 18, 2021 order of the trial court refusing to grant the relief to the British national. (Representational photo)

Justice Manoj Ohri dismissed both his pleas seeking release in the CBI and ED case. A detailed order will be uploaded on the high court’s website later.

James, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the ED on December 22, 2018, in connection to the alleged AgustaWestland scam related to corruption and money laundering cases in the procurement of 12 VVIP choppers.

On January 5, 2019, he was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the case registered by the CBI in connection with the scam. James is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the CBI.

James had moved high court challenging the June 18, 2021 order of the trial court refusing to grant relief to the British national, while noting that the stage was not fit to grant him bail.

Advocate Sriram Parakkat representing James, had said that the accused was in custody for over two years and eight months and he should be released from the jail on bail.