Christian Michel James Granted Bail

Christian Michel James, a British national, was granted bail by the India — Rouse Avenue Court in a money laundering case linked to the Rs. 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal. He had sought release after completing the maximum sentence of 7 years in custody for the money laundering allegations. However, Christian Michel James will remain in custody due to a separate case being investigated by the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation, for which a similar bail application is pending. The United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation opposed his release, citing apprehension that he might flee. Christian Michel James was extradited to India in December 2018 and has previously been granted bail by the India — Supreme Court of India in the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation case and by the India — Delhi High Court in the money laundering case, both with conditions including furnishing bail bonds and surrendering his passport. He has not yet furnished the bail bonds, and his passport expired during his custody.