AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal

Interpol has issued an international alert on arrest warrants against two alleged middlemen wanted by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with money laundering investigations into bribery allegations in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. The first alert, an Interpol Red Corner Notice, seeks the arrest of 69-year-old Carlo Gerosa, who holds Italian and Swiss nationalities. His alleged accomplice, 64-year-old Guido Ralph Haschke, is also wanted by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Haschke is an American by birth and also an Italian citizen. Based on the warrants, the Indian government can now seek extradition of the two accused from Italy — an Interpol member — to face trial in the case. On the Central Bureau of Investigation’s request, the Interpol had recently issued a Red Corner Notice against the third alleged British middleman Christian Michel James, who is suspected to be currently operating from Dubai. The agencies have alleged that AgustaWestland-UK and its parent Italian firm Finmeccanica spent about €58 million through the middlemen to influence Indian nationals.