CBI files FIR into $208 million Embraer jet deal; NRI defence consultant Vipin Khanna named main accused
Embraer aircraft deal was signed during the UPA regime in 2008. NRI defence consultant Vipin Khanna has been accused of receiving and distributing kickbacks.
In Short
- CBI has filed an FIR into the USD 208 million Embraer Jet deal.
- NRI defence consultant Vipin Khanna accused of receiving kickbacks worth $5.76 million in 2009.
- The Embraer aircraft deal was signed during UPA regime in 2008.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed an FIR into the USD 208 million Embraer Jet deal. NRI defence consultant Vipin Khanna has been named as the main accused.
The Embraer aircraft deal was signed during the Manmohan Singh led-UPA regime in 2008 for 3 aircraft.
MAIN ACCUSED NAMED
According to the FIR, Vipin Khanna is accused of receiving and distributing bribe money.
The deal was signed in 2008 between Embraer and the DRDO for three aircraft equipped with indigenous radars for AEW&C (airborne early warning and control systems).
Khanna is believed to have taken money Rs 42 crore from Brazilian company Embraer.
As per the defence procurement rules of India, any agent or middlemen is strictly prohibited from signing such deals.
CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry in this matter in September. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had then indicated that the CBI could probe the USD 208 million Embraer aircraft deal if any criminality was indicated in the internal probe already ordered at that time.
This case was first reported when according to a Brazilian newspaper, the Embraer had availed the services of middlemen to get this deal
through in Saudi Arabia and India.
UNAVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
Khanna could not reached for a reaction on this matter.
According to a report published in the Indian Express, the FIR has accused Vipin Khanna as having significantly benefitted from the kickbacks and from a Singapore-based company, Interdev Pte Ltd, as the entity via which the money was routed in three tranches through a subsidiary of Embraer. The alleged kickbacks were routed via Austria and Switzerland. Interdev Pte Ltd is listed as a software consultancy firm incorporated in 2000.
After these charges, first reported in the Brazilian media, of kickbacks being paid in the deal for purchase of three Embraer-145 aircraft by India came to the fore, the Ministry of Defence handed over the deal's documents and agreements to the CBI.