UK middleman is now a ‘fugitive’ in Dubai: Lawyer
dubai — Christian James Michel, a British middleman wanted by Indian investigative agencies in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, is now a fugitive in Dubai, said a lawyer.
Emirati advocate Amal Al Subaie, who was representing Michel in his bail request, told Khaleej
on Thursday that Michel’s “name is now listed in the law enforcement bodies’ database as a wanted person”.
However, she said she is not representing the man anymore. “I am not his lawyer any more. I was legally representing him during his bail process. There is another lawyer who is now following up on his case.”
The well-known British consultant active in the Indian defence sector, who is accused of organising bribes in exchange for a contract for VVIP helicopters, has till October 2 to challenge his extradition order issued by the Dubai Court of Appeals.
However, there has been no word or communication from him since he became subject to an extradition decision by the court on September 2.
Al Subaie pointed out that since the extradition decision was issued from the Dubai Court of Appeals, Michel had become a wanted person. “He should have turned himself in to the judicial authorities here.”
She said that even though the October 2 deadline is approaching, Michel did not appeal the extradition decision yet and did not either file a request to halt the execution of the court order.”
He is being wanted but since he had not turned himself in he is now seen as a fugitive, the lawyer revealed.
Michel, whose passport is seized by authorities, has lost his bail conditions ever since the court issued its ruling. “He is being sought after as a runaway person,” she said.
In its decision, the Dubai Court of Appeals had ruled that Michel can be extradited to the authorities in India. The final order that will come out later from the Court of Cassation has to be approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice before its implementation procedures can start.