Supreme Court cites delays in AgustaWestland chopper scam trial as key reason for granting bail to the 64-year-old
British citizen Christian Michel, accused of bribery in India's AgustaWestland helicopter scam, has been granted bail after six years in detention. The Supreme Court cited delays in the trial as the primary reason for the bail, questioning the likelihood of concluding the case within 25 years. Michel, extradited from Dubai in 2018, had previously applied for bail multiple times. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleges Michel paid bribes to secure a £360 million helicopter deal in 2010, causing India a loss of approximately £338 million. Michel has claimed his detention was politically motivated. The case also involves two Italian business partners, Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.
