For a man who is accused of getting an astonishing amount of Euro 30 million as kickbacks in the VVIP chopper scandal, London-based consultant Christian Michel has a very low profile. Little, if anything, was known of the man till recently and his extensive operations in India too have been extremely discreet.
However, as the probe shows, the man was allegedly critical to the deal and managed political parties and players in Italy as well as in India. Michel has been known for his high-reaching political connections in the Congress party and the access that he manages to get to top government and political functionaries.
He also has a history behind him. Insiders recall a similar access shared by his father Wolfgang Richard Max Michel who operated in India in the 1980s and 1990s. Wolfgang passed away last year but old timers recall him as a controversial businessman who extensively worked in the Indian government sector for several years.
15/02/13 Manu Pubby/Indian Express
