VVIP chopper case: ED seeks extradition of British middleman

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought extradition of a British national, alleged to be a middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal, on charges of money laundering. Officials said the agency has moved an official request in this regard to the Union Home Ministry with the copy of a court-issued non-bailable warrant and a recently notified Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against the said middleman – Christian Michel James.

The extradition request, it is understood, has been sent after the ED ascertained James movements in either one of the constituents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or a European country and it suspects he may leave the said country before Interpol reaches him.

The agency has earlier told a Delhi court that James was present in Dubai. “The Ministry of Home Affairs is looking into the request,” a senior official said without elaborating further.

Sometime back, both the ED and CBI had got an Interpol warrant issued against 54-year-old James in this case.