VVIP chopper scam middleman Christian Michael to be extradited to India

Dubai:A Dubai court has ruled in favour of the extradition of British national and alleged middleman Christian Michel in the Rs 3,700 crore AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case to India, media reports said.

The ruling was pronounced by a Dubai Court on Tuesday based following a formal request made by India. The request for Michel's extradition was based on the investigations conducted in the Augusta Westland case by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.

Cristian Michel is alleged to have played the role of a middleman in the case and thereafter distributed a bribe to others.Sometime back, Cristian Michel's lawyer had said that her client was ready to come to India but wanted an assurance that he will not be arrested.

The development comes as a minor boost to the probe into the AugustaWestland chopper purchase scam and the BJP-led NDA regime will be keen to put the spotlight on corruption during the UPA regime.(UNI)