Latest news with #ChristianMichel
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Case: SC dismisses plea of Christian Michel
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by British citizen Christian Michel, accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, who challenged bail conditions imposed by the Delhi High Court in a money laundering case. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sanjay Kumar rejected Michel's plea against some conditions imposed by the High Court on Michel. Michel has objected to the High Court's direction which asked him to provide the address where he intends to reside after his release. 'You have a permanent address inside the Tihar jail; stay there only. Finished. What to do? You have been granted bail. You don't even want to fulfil a condition of providing a local address,' said the bench as counsel of Michel objected to the conditions of the High Court. Michel's counsel contended that he did not have a local address and could not fulfil the condition of giving an address unless released from custody. He further submitted that the High Court does not have the power to issue directions to the British High Commission, which is a foreign authority. Michel had challenged the Delhi High Court's March 2025 order, which modified his bail conditions in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The High Court had allowed Michel to be released without submitting his passport immediately, as his earlier passport had expired. However, it directed that the British High Commission must deposit his new passport directly with the trial court when issued. It further directed that Michel should furnish the address where he intends to reside after release from the jail and the address would be verified by the trial court before his release. Michel is the alleged middleman arrested in 2018 in a money laundering case connected to the Rs 3,600-crore alleged scam relating to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland. He was extradited in 2018 after India won the extradition case in Dubai. He is accused of being a middleman for the alleged illegal transactions that took place in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. The CBI had alleged that there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about 2666 Crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. Later ED filed a chargesheet against Michel in June, 2016, alleging that he had received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. (ANI)
Syyaha
20-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
SOPHOS Hotels SA and WATANIAH Business Groupto partner for the launch of the first Le Meridien HotelTabuk, KSA
RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 20, 2025: In partnership with WATANIAH Business Group, SOPHOS Hotels SA, one of the leading Third-party hotel operator, is set to manage a Le Meridien, one of Marriott International's premium brands, in Tabuk. Marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's evolving hospitality landscape. Sophos have signed this agreement to operate a property that is strategically located at a crucial commercial and logistical hub, bordering Jordan, the Red Sea, and other emerging regions across Saudi Arabia. With construction already advancing, the hotel is moving ahead and foreseen to open its doors Q1 2026. Le Meridien Tabuk is ideally positioned near the commercial district, shopping areas, and key transportation routes for effortless connectivity. Offering an exceptional business or leisure retreat with world-class comfort and service. The hotel will redefine opulence in Tabuk, ensuring an exclusive, serene, and one-of-a-kind experience for its clients. The hotel will offer 151 contemporary rooms and suites, each outfitted with cuttingedge technology and designed for optimal functionality. Elevating the guest experience further, the property will also feature an expansive presidential suite on its own exclusive floor, boasting sweeping panoramic views of the city. Le Meridien Tabuk will offer a culinary journey with specialty restaurants led by renowned chefs. In addition, a premier spa and wellness center will enhance the experience by providing rejuvenating and relaxing treatments within an environment of exceptional comfort. Christian Michel, Chief Executive Officer, Sophos Hotels SA, said: ' We are honored to partner with Wataniah in bringing this landmark hotel to a city that is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. This project reflects our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom's transformative growth in hospitality and tourism. Through our partnership, we aim to uplift standards for excellence and support the continued evolution of this promising destination'. Meshaal Al Shuraia, Chairman, Wataniah Business Group, said: 'We are honored by this strategic partnership with SOPHOS Hotels SA to launch the first Le Meridien hotel in the Tabuk region. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the tourism and economic development in the promising regions of the Kingdom, aligning with our aspirations to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We believe that Tabuk possesses exceptional potential to become a key destination for business and tourism , and we are confident that this hotel will provide promising job opportunities for the local community and will be a valuable addition that strengthens the city's status, meeting the expectations of its residents and visitors, both locally and globally.'
Tourism Breaking News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
SOPHOS Hotels SA and WATANIAH Business Group to partner for the launch of the first Le Meridien Hotel Tabuk, KSA
Post Views: 121 In partnership with Wataniah Business Group, Sophos Hotels SA is set to manage a Le Meridien in Tabuk, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's evolving hospitality landscape. With construction already advancing, the hotel is moving ahead and foreseen to open its doors Q1 2026. Sophos have signed this agreement to operate a property that is strategically located at a crucial commercial and logistical hub, bordering Jordan, the Red Sea, and other emerging regions across Saudi Arabia. Le Meridien Tabuk is ideally positioned near the commercial district, shopping areas, and key transportation routes for effortless connectivity. Offering an exceptional business or leisure retreat with world-class comfort and service. The hotel will redefine opulence in Tabuk, ensuring an exclusive, serene, and one-of-a-kind experience for its clients. The hotel will offer 151 contemporary rooms and suites, each outfitted with cutting- edge technology and designed for optimal functionality. Elevating the guest experience further, the property will also feature an expansive presidential suite on its own exclusive floor, boasting sweeping panoramic views of the city. Le Meridien Tabuk will offer a culinary journey with specialty restaurants led by renowned chefs. In addition, a premier spa and wellness center will enhance the experience by providing rejuvenating and relaxing treatments within an environment of exceptional comfort. Christian Michel, Chief Executive Officer, Sophos Hotels SA, said: ' We are honored to partner with Wataniah in bringing this landmark hotel to a city that is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. This project reflects our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom's transformative growth in hospitality and tourism. Through our partnership, we aim to uplift standards for excellence and support the continued evolution of this promising destination'. Meshaal Al Shuraia, Chairman, Wataniah Business Group, said: 'We are honored by this strategic partnership with SOPHOS Hotels SA to launch the first Le Meridien hotel in the Tabuk region. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the tourism and economic development in the promising regions of the Kingdom, aligning with our aspirations to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We believe that Tabuk possesses exceptional potential to become a key destination for business and tourism, and we are confident that this hotel will provide promising job opportunities for the local community and will be a valuable addition that strengthens the city's status, meeting the expectations of its residents and visitors, both locally and globally.'
Trade Arabia
13-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Sophos Hotels to manage Wataniah's Le Meridien Hotel in Tabuk
Sophos Hotels, in partnership with Wataniah Business Group, is set to manage Marriott International's Le Meridien in Tabuk. The hotel is strategically located near the commercial and logistical hub, bordering Jordan and the Red Sea. Construction is advancing, and the hotel is expected to open in Q1 2026. The signing ceremony took place at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Riyadh 2025. The property will offer 151 contemporary rooms and suites, each equipped with cutting-edge technology. An expansive presidential suite will be on its exclusive floor, offering panoramic city views. The hotel will also feature specialty restaurants led by renowned chefs and a premier spa and wellness center, providing rejuvenating treatments in a comfortable environment. The hotel will redefine opulence in Tabuk, offering an exclusive, serene, and one-of-a-kind experience for its clients. Christian Michel, Chief Executive Officer, Sophos Hotels SA, said: " We are honored to partner with Wataniah in bringing this landmark hotel to a city that is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. This project reflects our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom's transformative growth in hospitality and tourism. Through our partnership, we aim to uplift standards for excellence and support the continued evolution of this promising destination'. Meshaal Al Shuraia, Chairman, Wataniah Business Group, said: "We are honored by this strategic partnership with SOPHOS Hotels SA to launch the first Le Meridien hotel in the Tabuk region. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the tourism and economic development in the promising regions of the Kingdom, aligning with our aspirations to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We believe that Tabuk possesses exceptional potential to become a key destination for business and tourism, and we are confident that this hotel will provide promising job opportunities for the local community and will be a valuable addition that strengthens the city's status, meeting the expectations of its residents and visitors, both locally and globally."
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Briton held for more than six years in India without trial speaks out: ‘My whole life is destroyed'
A British man jailed without trial in India for more than six years says his life has been 'destroyed' by the ordeal, claiming that he has suffered two attempts on his life and that he is being kept behind bars for political reasons. Christian Michel was extradited to India from Dubai in 2018 as a suspect in an arms deal corruption scandal. He remains held in the high-security Tihar Jail despite being awarded bail from the Delhi High Court as well as the Supreme Court in February, because he has been unable to meet the bail conditions. Speaking to The Independent on the sidelines of his court appearance on Thursday, Mr Michel claims that the Indian authorities are determined to keep him imprisoned. "The high court knew this. It's a political decision to keep me in jail. They are desperate to keep me here," he says. 'They know I know an awful lot about the government. Once I am out, I can put a stop to the whole court proceedings but I cannot do it from jail.' Mr Michel's trial is yet to begin after six years of incarceration. His lawyer says investigators have found no solid evidence against him after 12 years of looking into the case, and he denies any wrongdoing. In spite of his prolonged legal ordeal, Mr Michel seems determined to clear his name. "Let me be back home,' he appeals to the Indian authorities. 'I will continue the hearings on video conferencing and clear my name because there's no corruption. But if they keep me in India, I cannot do it safely," he says. Reflecting on what he misses most about Britain, he says: "I miss my family. My children have grown up without me. My wife has divorced me. My parents have all died. My whole life is destroyed." Jail, he tells the court, 'is a very sad place'. 'Holi was cancelled because a young boy committed suicide,' he says, referring to a major Hindu festival in March. Mr Michel is alleged to have acted as a key intermediary in the 2010 deal for India's defence ministry to buy 12 luxury helicopters from Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland, a contract worth over £322.4m. Investigators allege the company paid bribes to Indian officials to secure the contract and that Mr Michel personally received commissions amounting to £25.7m. The Enforcement Directorate, which investigates financial crimes in India, alleges Mr Michel played a pivotal role in routing illicit funds and using shell companies to disguise the payments. Mr Michel faces charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as well as a Central Bureau of Investigation case for corruption offences. In February 2025, the Supreme Court granted him bail in the CBI case, noting that the investigation had been dragging on for more than a decade without conclusion. 'You will not be able to conclude the trial in another 25 years going by what your conduct has been,' the top court remarked in its ruling. 'The investigation started in 2013. We are now in 2025, and 12 years have passed. The investigation is still not complete,' his lawyer Aljo K Joseph said earlier. 'They are looking for something that does not exist. They are looking for evidence that they are not getting. It is just a red herring.' Thursday's hearing related to Mr Michel's inability to meet multiple bail conditions. 'I have no address in India, which is required to file the bail bond," Mr Michel explains to The Independent. "I have no family members they can contact in India." Securing a guarantor, another bail condition, has also proved impossible. 'There is no one in India who will give me surety,' he says. 'My ex-wife has spoken to everyone we know but they all refuse because they say it's too dangerous. My case is too political, so they're scared of it.' At Thursday's hearing he informs the court the only person who has shown willing to provide a guarantee for him is Jo Johnson, the brother of former British prime minister Boris Johnson. 'The only visitor I have had in six years and five months was Jo Johnson, a distant, distant cousin of mine,' he tells the judge. 'Because he's the brother of the prime minister of UK, so he feels very safe. That's the only visit I have ever had in six years and five months.' Mr Michel's time in jail has been fraught with danger, he says, alleging that there have been attempts on his life. "A professional killer tried to kill me twice in jail and confessed to it. He was paid money to kill me, and they never investigated why he tried to kill me, who he was, or who paid him," he claims. At a previous hearing on 7 March, Mr Michel told the court he would not accept bail given the threats to his life and a lack of security in the Indian capital. 'For me, Delhi is just a larger prison,' he told judge Sanjeev Aggarwal. 'My family cannot come here. They have been told for years it is not safe. You know I have security issues. There have been attempts on my life twice.' At the latest hearing on Thursday, Mr Michel doubles down on his accusations. He says there was an attempt on his life in 2019 but he did not name the person who allegedly tried to kill him. 'When I didn't die, those responsible threatened to kill him,' he adds, meaning the alleged assassin. 'So, he ran to the jail superintendent saying he's been trying to kill me, he's attempted twice, it's failed, and now his life is in danger.' Mr Michel says he gave a statement to the deputy head of the prison which prompted an investigation, but it went nowhere. 'I would rather serve my sentence and continue the trial via video conferencing from a safe country,' he submitted at the earlier hearing, pleading that the court outline his sentence so he could serve it and leave the country. The court said his sentencing could only occur once the trial was concluded.
