It recently came into light that alleged arms dealer and 'philanthropist' Sudhir Choudhrie's companies were paid in millions by Russian and British arms firms.
According to BBC and The Guardian's investigations, it is alleged that there was a 10 million pounds transaction between Rolls-Royce to firms linked to Choudhrie. Russian defence and arms companies paid him and his son Bhanu another 100 euros within a span of one year alone.
But defence establishment resources, while speaking to The Hindu, say that a “breakthrough against corruption in defence deals” through these latest revelations might not be possible as “unwavering political will is necessary.”
“The Rolls-Royce investigation could potentially make some breakthrough because of the British investigations. However, the Russians would be a tough nut to crack,” a senior civil servant from the Defence Ministry told The Hindu.
‘Strong Political Pressure Required’
Choudhrie and his son, Bhanu, were briefly arrested in the UK by the Serious Fraud Office for swinging contracts in favour of Rolls-Royce, but were later released on bail.
Other secret documents reveal multi-million transactions, where one of Choudhrie's companies Belinea Services Ltd. received 39.2 million euros between October 2007 and October 2008 from Russian firms. A second company was paid 32.8 million euros while another firm got 23 million euros.
After these payments were viewed as suspicious by the Swiss Bank, an anti-money laundering alert was issued and Choudhrie's family accounts were then scrutinised.
Russians are not going to give anything away, unless strong political pressure is applied. We will have to see how much the government will go forward with itSenior official to The Hindu
Numerous cases of receiving kick-backs in various defence deals have emerged over the years and also led to marked changes in the political environment like during the case of Bofors Scam in 1987. But the failure of interrogative agencies like the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in convicting those accused brings only a faint hope for nailing the corruption in such deals. Like in the case of AugustaWestland scam, where allegations of bribery were made against senior officials during the purchase of new choppers.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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