New Delhi: Uncertainty looms over the future of the Rs 3,600-crore, February 2010 deal between India and UK-based Agusta Westland for the purchase of 12 helicopters, following the sensational arrest of Finmeccanica Chief Executive and Chairman Giuseppe Orsi in Italy for corruption in the Indian deal.
"Giuseppe Orsi, the head of Italian defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, was arrested on Monday in relation to a probe into international corruption. He is suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes regarding the sale to the Indian government of 12 helicopters produced by Finmeccanica's subsidiary AgustaWestland," Italian news agency Ansa said.
Following the arrest, the government promptly ordered a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, even though it has been known for months now that Italian authorities are investigating Finmeccanica and its agents for corruption in the helicopter deal.
13/02/13 Economic Times
