Indian defence minister orders enquiry into AgustaWestland corruption allegations

Indian defence minister orders enquiry into AgustaWestland corruption allegations

26-Feb-2012 Source: HeliHub.com

The Indian Defence Minister, A K Antony, is reported in local newspaper The Times of India as having asked his ministry officials to investigate Italian media reports alleging corrupt and unethical practices by Finmeccanica, in the light of deliveries of their 12 VVIP AW101s due to start later this autumn.  Separately, the Indian Express reports that the Italian attorney general’s office investigation now specifically includes the AW101 order in its remit.

The Indian investigation was apparently sparked by La Repubblica reporting Borgogni Lorenzo, the former head of external communications of Finmeccanica, telling prosecutors that slush funds were generated after an unexpected price escalation to India by 10 million euros in 2010.  While it is not clear whether kickbacks were paid in India, the money was allegedly used by a top Finmeccanica official to bribe Italian political parties.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com

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