New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) A Special Delhi Court has granted the release of Christian Michel James, a British national and alleged middleman implicated in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scandal, from custody concerning a money laundering case initiated by the ED.

Nonetheless, he may face restrictions in departing from the country as a related plea for release is still pending before a Special CBI Court.

The Special Court (PMLA) ordered Michel's release following his commitment to actively participate in the trial if freed from custody.

Expressing his relief over the court's decision, Michel remarked, “The law prevailed. I believe there are some commendable judges in India, and I have been fortunate to have them… India’s Constitution is remarkable, and let’s hope it will be upheld.”

In light of his expired passport, he expressed hope that all necessary formalities would be managed in due time. “Everyone has been working diligently,” he noted.

The Court's order for Michel's release came after his attorney pointed out that he had already spent seven years in custody, which is equivalent to the maximum penalty he could face for the alleged crimes.

Michel is implicated in the Rs 3,600-crore alleged scam involving the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland, facing numerous charges including corruption, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering. The deal allegedly included kickbacks amounting to Rs 250 crore.

He was extradited to India from the UAE on December 5, 2018, whereupon he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Shortly after, he was also apprehended by the financial investigation agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He has since been held in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.

In its charge sheet filed in June 2016, the ED claimed that Michel received 30 million euros (approximately Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

The CBI, in its charge sheet, suggested that the deal, signed on February 8, 2010, resulted in an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (around Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer for the 12 VVIP helicopters valued at 556.262 million euros (about Rs 3,600 crore).

This issue of international corruption has also surfaced in a court in Milan.

Despite obtaining bail from the Delhi High Court concerning the money laundering case and from the Supreme Court regarding the CBI case, he remained in custody.

Michel was unable to leave India due to the expiration of his passport and his failure to secure a surety for bail. He is one of three alleged middlemen under investigation in this case, alongside Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.