The CBI is considering to seek custody of all documents related to the '3,600-crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal from the ministry of defence to begin its probe into the alleged kickbacks in the deal. The agency has also approached the Indian mission in Italy to provide documents which may help it to register a preliminary enquiry into the matter. The CBI is also planning to take the assistance of the ED in the case. The ED is also expected to register a criminal case of money laundering to probe allegations of kickbacks in the deal. The ED will take a call whether to register a case under the stringent clauses of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in this deal once the CBI files an FIR and also will take in account its ongoing investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, sources in the ED said. CBI sources said, “The MoD in its complaint, related to the deal, has not provided any material to the CBI. Except some press clippings, the MoD has not provided any documents related to the deal to the CBI.” The CBI sleuths have also contacted the Indian mission in Italy, sources said adding that they (officials of the Indian mission) have been asked to collect material from the investigating and prosecuting agencies there. The CBI is trying to get the report filed by public prosecutor Eugenio Fusco on the basis of which chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica, Giuseppe Orsi was arrested by the Italian authorities, sources said.
