Finmeccanica CEO, Italian middlemen arrested in Indian VVIP chopper probe

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Manu Pubby, Reuters: Milan, Feb 12 2013, 14:34 IST

In an indication that the year long probe into corruption allegations in a Rs 3,546 crore deal to sell VVIP helicopters to India is coming to a close, the CEO of the Finmeccanica group was arrested in Italy on Monday, along with the two alleged middlemen who routed money to India.

Giuseppe Orsi, who was heading AgustaWestland when the deal was signed in 2010 and is currently the CEO of the main Finmeccanica group has been placed under house arrest for his role in the alleged EURO 51 million pay off to swing the deal for 12 AW 101 choppers.

The Indian Express had carried a series of stories detailing the nexus between middlemen, executives and officials that has come under probe.

The arrest is a major blow for Finmeccanica that has been making repeated statements denying that any payments were made. Hours after the arrest, the company said that its “operating activities and ongoing projects will continue as usual”.

“In addition, Finmeccanica expresses support for its Chairman and CEO, with the hope that clarity is established quickly, whilst reaffirming its confidence in the Judges,” the company statement read.

While there has not yet been any reaction from the Indian defence ministry, sources said the arrest will mount pressure for a formal probe. India's position till now has been that a formal probe cannot be started unless Italy shares official documents related to the corruption allegations.

IAF officials said that out of the 12 VVIP choppers, three have already arrived in India and are undergoing

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Reader's Comments (6)| Post a Comment

Italian mafia

Mauni Baba | 12-Feb-2013Reply | Forward

Another "Feather of Scam" in the Pugree of our innocent Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh who is simply obeys the orders of Italian Mafia

NOTHING NEW

N.ASTI | 12-Feb-2013Reply | Forward

Media as well as opposition political parties need not give much importance to this obvious scam.MMS and Sonia know how to get buried all scams.This will go on for a couple of days and then MMS/Sonia Govt will get some other scam out.So this will be placed on back-burner.Indians are interested in such NAUTANKI only by so-called Mr(Pseudo?)Clean/Straightforward.If India wants to be safe from scams through scam-specialists,either Indian or Italian,the top-most ones in UPA Govt as well as Congress organisation should be deported with their family including their son-in-law family.It seems the main root lies there.At least new scam committing will stop.If when earning from the LOOTING thro' 2G,CWG,COALGATE do not satisfy the looteraas,then how much loot of the Nation is needed before 2014?No wonder Damat must have gulped away this money.Indians!Vote for Congress and enjoy getting looted!!

Doesn't VVIPs refer to politicians ?

KS Raghunathan | 12-Feb-2013Reply | Forward

The report says, "The Indian Express has carried a series of stories detailing the nexus between middlemen, executives and officials that has come under probe." Since the helicopters are specifically meant for VVIPs, are the public to believe that no politician was involved in the nexus, as implied in your stories ?