Toronto: The two top executives of Italy’s AgustaWestland helicopter company were the guests of ORNGE founder Chris Mazza at one of several events in Ontario in 2010 to celebrate ORNGE’s purchase of 12 helicopters to use as air ambulances.
Along the way, in what was a close relationship between Mazza and Agusta boss Orsi, there were fine dinners, finer wines, and a trip to La Scala opera house in Milan. The Thunder Bay rooms where Mazza played host were just $140 a night, paid by ORNGE. Mazza’s room in the European-themed White Fox Inn was “Elise.”
Orsi and Spagnolini were arrested Tuesday in Italy, facing bribery allegations in connection with a deal to sell 12 military choppers to the Indian government. A spokesman for their parent company said the company fully supports the two executives and hopes “clarity is established quickly, whilst reaffirming its confidence in the judges.” No charges have been laid.
The judges referred to are investigating magistrates in Italy who have, for more than a year, been conducting a probe into the Indian helicopter deal.
According to Reuters, which has viewed case documents in Italy, Italian prosecutors authorized the arrests to prevent further wrongdoing.
“AgustaWestland and its management seem to be used to paying bribes and we have reason to believe that such a corporate philosophy could be repeated in the future if not stopped through an arrest,” Italian judge Luca Labianca wrote in the warrant, reviewed by Reuters.
Reuters and media in India have reported that kickbacks of about $740,000 were allegedly paid by Agusta to government officials in India to secure the helicopter deal, which was signed in 2010, two years after the ORNGE deal was signed. Indian authorities announced today that they are beginning an investigation in light of the Italian allegations.
14/02/13 The Star.com
