Delhi Court orders release of Christian Michel in ED case linked to AgustaWestland scam

A Delhi court on Saturday ordered the release of British national Christian James Michel from custody in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) money laundering case related to the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal . However, he will continue to remain in jail in connection with a separate CBI corruption case linked to the same scam.

Special CBI Judge Sanjay Jindal , while hearing Michel’s plea, noted that under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) , the offence carries a maximum punishment of seven years’ imprisonment , and Michel has already spent seven years in custody . Citing Section 436A (second proviso) of the CrPC , which limits detention during investigation or trial to the maximum punishment prescribed for the offence, the court directed that Michel cannot be detained in the ED case beyond December 21, 2025 . The court said he could be released if not required in any other case and listed the matter for further hearing on December 22 .

Michel, accused of acting as a middleman in the deal, was extradited from Dubai and arrested in December 2018 . The CBI had arrested him and filed a chargesheet, while the ED initiated a separate money laundering probe. Michel submitted that he would continue to participate in the trial even if released.

His counsel argued that the case has been under investigation for 12 years and that despite being granted bail earlier, Michel has not been able to go home , calling the prolonged detention a “mockery of justice.” Michel, speaking to the media outside the court, said he was “enjoying” the hearing.

The AgustaWestland case revolves around allegations of irregularities and kickbacks paid to former defence ministry officials to secure a contract for 12 VVIP helicopters from the British-Italian firm, highlighting concerns over middlemen, opaque transactions, and cross-border corruption in high-value defence procurement deals.