Italy Drops Kickback Charges Against Finmeccanica In Indian VVIP Chopper Scam

The Italian Prosecutor has discontinued investigations relating to the 12 AW101 VVIP helicopter contract signed with the Indian ministry of Defense in 2010, Finmeccanica said in a press release on 29 July.

“AgustaWestland together with the Prosecutor, have agreed to apply for a negligible fine, whilst confirming the appropriateness of their internal control systems and specifically their non-involvement in the misconduct alleged by the Prosecutor. This decision is not in any way an admission of any wrongdoing or liability,” Finmeccanica said in the release.

Sources in India said the latest developments in Italy will not impact the CBI's investigation into allegations that bribes were paid by the manufacturers to land the deal, reportedly by ensuring that technical criteria were changed to ensure that Finmeccanica unit AgustaWestland qualified for the contract.

India cancelled the $750.85 million order with AgustaWestland for 12 top-end helicopters in January, citing a breach of integrity relating to alleged corruption.