AugustaWestland VVIP Chopper Probe At Advanced Stage

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in Agustawestland VVIP chopper deal has reached an advanced stage, Minister of State for Defense Rao Inderjit Singh said in parliament on Friday.

The minister said in a written reply to a question, “The investigation is in advanced stage and during the probe, the central investigative agency has sent Letters Rogatory to Italy, Tunisia, Mauritius in 2013 and UAE, UK, Switzerland, Singapore and British Virgin Islands in 2014.”

The authorities in UAE have sought further information. Further, as desired by the Mauritius authorities, fresh LR is being sent to Mauritius. LR execution report is awaited from all the above mentioned countries.

During the course of investigation, one of the accused was arrested, who was later released on bail. Directorate of Enforcement has also issued two provisional attachment orders attaching the properties valued at US$756 thousand approximately out of the proceeds of crime.

Directorate of Enforcement has also registered a case under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and investigations are underway.

The case is pending in the Court of Special Judge, Patiala House Court, New Delhi and it is under investigation.