Chopper scam accused to remain in police custody

dubai — Christian James Michel, a British middleman wanted by Indian investigative agencies in connection with the Agusta Westland VVIP chopper scam, will remain under arrest in Dubai even as he appealed his extradition decision by a court here.

Michel, whose passport had been seized by the judicial authorities here and granted release on bail, became ‘wanted’ on September 2 following a decision issued by the Dubai Court of Appeals, according to which he could be extradited to the authorities concerned in India.

Since the court ruled on September 2 that he could be extradited — in response to a request filed by the Indian authorities to the UAE in connection with corruption-related charges — he lost his bail conditions. He was arrested later and sent to police custody pending the legal and judicial procedures.

The Briton, who is accused of organising bribes in exchange for a contract for VVIP helicopters, filed his appeal before the Dubai Court of Cassation within the 30-day legal deadline through his lawyer. A date is yet to be set for a court hearing.

Earlier a public prosecution source told Khaleej Times that Michel’s extradition request had been denied by Switzerland and Italy. According to the source, Michel’s extradition request had previously been closed administratively here as the necessary papers were not available then from India. Once his file was complete, the case was reopened. He was summoned and confronted with the file after.

He denied the charges and was then granted bail while his passport was deposited at the execution division of the public prosecution.

Even if Dubai’s top court upholds the lower court’s decision, it will need approval from the UAE Minister of Justice for the extradition procedure to start.