CBI likely to seek info on Swiss firm diplomatically

The CBI is likely to use diplomatic channels to seek information about two officials of Switzerland-based company Rheinmetall Air Defence AG as part of its investigations into a corruption case against them.

Sources said, “Investigations by the agency have revealed that the officials allegedly played a crucial role in influencing public servants to stall blacklisting proceedings initiated by the then Government of India against the firm.” The firm was probed by the agency for allegedly paying $530,000 in 2011 to an alleged arms dealer to get it off India’ blacklist for its reportedly corrupt activities.

“The agency is planning to use diplomatic channels to seek information about two officials of the Swiss firm in connection with the case,” sources said.

The CBI has already filed its chargesheet in the case in June 2013 against an alleged arms dealer and others for allegedly taking money from the Swiss firm for influencing public servants to stall blacklisting proceedings initiated by the Government of India. The chargesheet was filed against a representatives of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG and the firm.

They were charged under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, sources said.

Sources said, “After investigation in the 2009 Ordnance Factory Board scam, the CBI had recommended to the defence ministry the blacklisting of the Swiss firm as it had allegedly adopted corrupt and illegal means to obtain the contract of supply of a 35 mm revolver gun system by the OFB In the year 2011.”

The probe revealed that it was then that the alleged arms dealer reportedly contacted the Swiss firm’s representatives and demanded and received a sum of $530,000 in lieu of his promise to influence Indian public servants for stalling the process of blacklisting of the Swiss firm, they added.