Tue Mar 11 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## AgustaWestland Middleman Prefers Completing Sentence in India Rather Than Accepting Bail

**New Delhi, March 7, 2025** – Christian Michel James, a British national and alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, surprised the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday by stating his preference to serve his remaining sentence in India rather than accepting bail. This unusual request came after the Delhi High Court (March 4th) and Supreme Court (February 18th) granted him bail in separate cases related to the scandal.

James, who was extradited from Dubai in 2018, cited serious security concerns as the reason for rejecting bail. He claimed that his life is at risk in Delhi and that his family is unable to visit him. He expressed concerns about police actions and even requested a private discussion with the judge regarding an incident at AIIMS.

Despite the judge’s attempts to persuade him to accept bail under specific conditions (such as regular check-ins with investigators, providing contact information, and not leaving the country), James remained firm in his decision, initially. The court eventually imposed bail conditions, including a ₹10 lakh personal bond and surety in each case, passport surrender, and restrictions on media interaction regarding the case. These conditions were imposed following a private discussion between James and the judge.

The AgustaWestland case involves allegations of a ₹2,666 crore loss to the Indian exchequer through a deal signed in 2010 for the supply of VVIP helicopters. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet alleges Michel received €30 million (approximately ₹225 crore) in bribes. The CBI chargesheet estimates the total loss to be €398.21 million (approximately ₹2,666 crore). Michel is one of three alleged middlemen under investigation. The case continues.

Read More