The family of Christian Michel, a British national accused of being a middleman in the AgustaWestland money laundering case, has appealed to the UK Foreign Office for his return to Britain, citing concerns over his ongoing detention in India. Michel, 63, has been held in Tihar Jail in New Delhi since his extradition from the UAE in December 2018. He is accused of paying bribes to Indian officials to help Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland win a contract in 2010 to supply 12 helicopters to India. Indian authorities estimate that the deal caused a loss of around €398.21m (£232m) to the exchequer. The contract was subsequently cancelled in 2014 amidst the corruption allegations. Michel denies the allegations.
Michel’s family met with UK Foreign Office Minister Catherine West to discuss the case. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that the minister listened to the family's concerns and updated them on the actions being taken by the government. Michel's family, including his son Alois and sister Alienor, emphasize he has served the maximum seven-year sentence without trial, calling the detention illegal and highlighting serious human rights violations confirmed by the UN Working Group in 2020. Alois met with Catherine West to advocate for government involvement, specifically urging them to pursue legal action at the International Court of Justice. However, he did not secure any definite promises, only an indication that his requests would be considered.
The UK government has stated its commitment to resolving the case. UK Foreign Office officials have said that the UK government continues to raise Christian Michel's case with India to “underline the importance of making progress to the government of India". Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister for South Asia, has also regularly raised Michel's case with his Indian counterparts. Consular staff at the British High Commission in Delhi regularly visit Michel in detention.
Michel's case has faced significant delays. Despite spending more than six years in custody, his trial has not yet commenced due to an incomplete investigation. The Supreme Court has criticized the prolonged nature of the investigation, noting that “despite three charge sheets and two supplementary charge sheets, the investigation is still ongoing”. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of Delhi High Court described Michel's continued detention as an “exceptional situation” and a violation of his fundamental right to a speedy trial under the Indian constitution.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued an opinion in November 2020 ruling that Michel was being arbitrarily detained by India and called for his release. However, India stated that the opinion was not legally binding.
