Augusta Westland deal: Christian Michel released in money laundering case; remains in CBI custody

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Saturday ordered the release of alleged ‘middleman’ Christian Michel James from custody in the money laundering case linked to Augusta Westland chopper case.The Rouse Avenue court was deciding on Michel’s plea seeking release on the grounds that he had completed the maximum statutory sentence of seven years prescribed in the money laundering case, reported ANI. The court’s order pertains to the prevention of money laundering act (PMLA) case. Michel, however, will continue to remain in custody in the related CBI case. He has a similar application seeking release pending before the court in the CBI matter. He has earlier been granted bail by the Supreme Court in the CBI case and by the Delhi High Court in the money laundering case.Reacting to the order, Michel expressed satisfaction in the order and praised India’s constitution as “excellent.”“...There are some good judges in India, I’m lucky...I am satisfied with the orders of the court. The Constitution of India is excellent…,” he said.The AugustaWestland case relates to alleged irregularities in the procurement of VVIP helicopters, with multiple agencies probing charges of bribery and money laundering.