In a major setback to investigation agencies, Italy refused to extradite Carlo Gerosa, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland bribery scandal, saying it did not have any mutual legal assistance treaty with India.
The CBI has approached the External Affairs Ministry, citing provisions under which he could be extradited even in the absence of a treaty, sources said.
Key player
Carlo Valentino Ferdinando Gerosa, 71, an Italian and Swiss national, is believed to be a key player in the bribery scandal as the process of manipulating the specifications for the VVIP helicopter deal allegedly started after a meeting between him and cousins of former IAF chief S.P. Tyagi, they said.
Interpol had issued a Red Notice against Mr. Gerosa. He was apprehended by authorities in Italy in connection with the money laundering probe into the ₹3,600-crore chopper deal, which was scrapped by India over alleged bribery and breach of contractual obligations. Mr. Gerosa is one of the three ‘middlemen’ wanted in this case and his statement is crucial for both the ED and the CBI probing the case.
