The CBI may send a source query to the USA to get some details about VVIP helicopter deal from C Edmonds Allen, former business partner of alleged arms dealer Abhishek Verma, as part of its probe into the `3,600 crore helicopter deal.
According to sources, the agency is scrutinising documents sent by former US attorney Allen which had suggested that kickbacks have been paid in the copter deal by the firm AgustaWestland, to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). In February 2010, India had inked the `3,600 crore deal to acquire the 12 three-engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for IAF’s elite Communication Squadron, which ferries the President, PM and other VVIPs. “If required, the agency may send a Letter of Request (LR) to the USA to get information from Allen. Initially, the agency is planning to a send source query only”, sources said. The LR is a formal request issued by a competent court to a foreign court and processed by the ministry of external affairs on behalf of the investigative agencies to obtain information about individuals and entities.
Meanwhile, the agency has engaged a lawyer in Italy to represent India’s case with the Italian government and the local courts to find out the role of Indians in the alleged kickbacks in the `3,600 crore deal. The lawyer, if required, would be approach the court in Italy for procurement of documents, sources added. A team of CBI and defence ministry officials is leaving for Italy on Monday to verify allegations of kickbacks in the supply of VVIP helicopters.
Sources said that the assistance of a lawyer was taken to help understand the Italian law and expedite getting documents from the helicopter company. The team comprise a CBI DIG, a law officer of the agency, a joint secretary-level officer of defence ministry and an official of the external affairs ministry. The CBI was handed over a letter from the defence ministry seeking a probe by it.