Latest news with #AgustaWestlandVVIP
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Delhi HC Slams Shravan Gupta's Delay Tactics In AgustaWestland Chopper Scam Case
Last Updated: Gupta, a key accused in the case, sought to join the investigation via videoconferencing, citing his absence from India since 2019 The Delhi High Court has reserved its judgment on Shravan Gupta's plea to quash non-bailable warrants (NBWs) issued against him in connection with the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam. Gupta, a key accused in the case, sought to join the investigation via videoconferencing, citing his absence from India since 2019. Court's Observations The court was unimpressed with Gupta's tactics, noting that his senior advocate's conduct was 'unbecoming" and that the strategy of securing repeated adjournments was intended to stall proceedings. Justice Neena Bansal observed that both parties had already argued the matter on two previous occasions, and Gupta's legal team had sought more time to 'take instructions". Allegations Against Gupta The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges that Gupta played a pivotal role in designing and operating a sophisticated web of offshore companies to move illicit funds linked to the chopper deal. Gupta, former managing director and executive vice chairman of Emaar MGF Land Limited, allegedly used shell companies to launder Rs 28.7 crore in proceeds of crime. Investigation and Attachment of Assets The ED's investigation has revealed that Gupta established offshore shell companies in tax havens, through which proceeds of crime were routed. The agency has attached properties worth Rs 21 crore belonging to Gupta and is focusing on the final destination and use of the laundered money. The Delhi High Court's judgment is expected to pave the way for further action against Gupta, who has been evading the law since 2019. The ED's efforts to bring Gupta to justice may gain momentum, and the agency may pursue extradition efforts to secure his return to India. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Scam: ED Eyes 'Kingpin' Shravan Gupta As Court Slams His Evasion Tactics
Last Updated: Gupta's alleged role as a financial conduit in the scam has been a central point in the case, which once rocked India's defence procurement establishment The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has upped the pressure on Shravan Gupta, one of the key accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case, after the Delhi High Court refused to quash a non-bailable warrant against him. Gupta, who was once at the helm of affairs at Emaar MGF Land Limited as managing director and executive vice chairman, has been accused of laundering over Rs 28.6 crore in kickbacks routed through a complex offshore network. Gupta's alleged role as a financial conduit in the scam has been a central point in the case, which once rocked India's defence procurement establishment. The ED's case now hinges on Gupta's close association with co-accused Gautam Khaitan and Guido Haschke, who orchestrated the bribery trail in the AgustaWestland chopper deal. According to the agency, Gupta helped channel illicit funds. 'Offshore entities beneficially owned and controlled by Shravan Gupta have received proceeds of crime to the tune of Euro 1,912,000 and USD 3,457,180 (Rs. 28,69,94,650-) in the Agusta Westland VVIP Chopper Scam," ED said in a statement. The directorate added that Shravan Gupta had left the country in 2019 when asked to join the investigation by the directorate on the pretext of medical issues and has since been in London despite multiple summonses and warrants. 'Open ended non-bailable warrant was issued against Shravan Gupta by the special court in August, 2020. Red Corner Notice (RCN) has also been issued against Shravan Gupta in 2023," added ED. Through his shell firms abroad, Gupta allegedly acted as a financial bridge between middlemen and beneficiaries. Despite being summoned multiple times, Gupta chose to stay in London from 2019, citing medical grounds. On July 16, Gupta's counsel sought another adjournment, proposing a virtual appearance. But Justice Neena Bansal of the Delhi High Court expressed sharp disapproval, calling the repeated delays and evasion tactics 'unbecoming of a senior advocate" and reserved the matter for judgment. The ED has already attached Gupta's properties worth Rs 21 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and investigations into the end use of the illicit money are still underway. Gupta was formally made an accused in a supplementary prosecution complaint filed in February 2022, and cognisance was taken by the PMLA court in March 2022. Significantly, ED's pursuit of Gupta marks a renewed push in the long-drawn AgustaWestland case. With the financial trail now being meticulously mapped and the net tightening around fugitives abroad, the ED appears to be driving the case to its logical conclusion. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Indian Express
VVIP chopper case: Tihar image gives country a bad name, says Delhi court
A Delhi court hearing the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case pulled up the Tihar jail authorities on Thursday saying that 'a bad name was being given to the country due to the image of Tihar Jail.' 'A bad name to the country is given by the jail. Look at the media image of Tihar jail…threats of extortion from jail officials…,' said Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal while considering the application moved by Christian Michel James, one of the alleged middlemen in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case who was extradited from the UAE in 2018. The court had last Wednesday directed Tihar Jail authorities to appear in person after James, in his application, has claimed that he was lodged with a prisoner with a checkered record inside jail. In his application, James had also requested adequate security measures in jail and alleged threats to his life and attempts to poison him in jail. Tihar authorities on Thursday said the British national was never kept with another person in a single cell. Tihar authorities said: 'Prisoners are lodged in barracks or cells as per the security assessment and availability of space. Nothing adverse has been reported by accused Christian Michel James during his lodgment in jail no. 1 or in jail no. 4 where he is presently lodged.' On James's fellow prisoner Shahnawaz, authorities stated that he had '41 punishments' against him for his conduct in jail after 2020 for 'disorderly behaviour' and 'prohibited articles'. 'You can't keep hardened criminals with him (James) …is it safe to keep James who has only a money laundering case with such a person. Won't that cause a threat to his life?' the Judge said.
