Corruption in Arms Deals - News and Analysis

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 31 Jan 2019 02:51

ANI Verified account @ANI

Geeta Luthra and Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena (in picture, a co-accused in AgustaWestland case):

Rajiv Saxena was picked up by UAE state security from his residence this morning at 9:30 am (UAE time) and illegally extradited to India around 5:30pm (UAE time).

ANI Verified account @ANI 6h6 hours ago

Geeta Luthra&Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena: There were no extradition proceedings started in the UAE & he was not allowed access to his family or lawyers or essential daily medicine. He was onboarded onto a pvt jet from a private terminal at Dubai International Airport.

24 replies . 489 retweets 879 likes

@ANI

Lawyers of Rajiv Saxena (co-accused in AgustaWestland case): When his lawyers asked to speak to UAE state security & demanded to understand what happened, they were told he's on flight & can’t be stopped. When they queried this further they were told “Ask the Indian Government”.

7:08 am - 30 Jan 2019
898 Retweets 1,539 Likes Naveen Kr Pandey

and finally,

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Jun 2019 04:00

Now Pilatus deal has corruption linkages

viewtopic.php?p=2362597#p2362597

Please discuss here.

tsarkar · Post by **tsarkar** » 25 Jun 2019 13:34

Karan M wrote:i hope this actually leads to something and the BJP does not use it as usual for some back room ploy and then drop the prosecution in a fit of ham-handed graciousness and megalomania

Agree 200%. Unless prosecuted and severely punished, it will be impossible to root out corruption. Also, those whose children have got foreign admissions, jobs or whose children's domestic NGO's have got disproportionate funding needs to be investigated as benami transactions as well. This was expected in 2014 itself.

The family's involvement in Augusta Westland, Pilatus and Embraer has breadcrumbs everywhere, especially the London houses that Priyanka G said in televised reports as hers.

The Embraer deal is especially tragic as Embraer had modified the aircraft at its own cost and done extensive testing in Alaska. With Embraer being blacklisted, we have to select, modify and extensively test another platform. Ideally we should have inducted couple of Nethra AEW&C for every Fighter Wing for persistent support of strike and air dominance missions.

abhik · Post by **abhik** » 25 Jun 2019 18:22

I think we should give amnesty to blacklisted foreign weapon companies if they rat out the indian parties involved and pay a nominal fine. Till date we have not managed to successfully prosecute even one case but have blacklisted half the suppliers.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Jun 2019 06:40

Yes punishing the corrupt and taking holistic approach to the supplier is needed.
If the supplier gave bribes to sell shoddy product its one thing but if product was good and still got kickbacks then its our own khota sikka.

darshan · Post by **darshan** » 29 Jun 2019 10:00

https://www.opindia.com/2019/06/supreme ... ly-abroad/
Supreme Court stays Delhi HC order permitting AgustaWestland accused Rajeev Saxena to fly abroad
Appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, presented specific new facts with regard to other offences that have come to light and asserted that the CBI will be formally going to register an FIR against Saxena shortly.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 05 Sep 2019 17:24

Not immediately relevant to Indian corruption, but I think this is precious Required Reading to get an idea of the networks and level of scamming behind arms and all international deals. Please read through.

There is one sentence especially, where it says Nigerians were not interested in AIDS-testing kits made locally in Nigeria (by the phoren company) because they preferred to get the commission on imports.
That describes the problem in a nutshell. Also, the on-again-off-again Deals and Inquiry Commishuns and Scandals are not peculiar to India.
The taxpayer and individual honest polis aphsars/ bureaucrats are irrelevant in these huge destructive swirling storms of corruption. Even the judges here seem to be described as idiots or crooks

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 20 Nov 2019 00:47

chetak wrote:
Karan M wrote:I dont think you got what I meant. The pressures that worked are clearly still in play, hence the TEDBF or whatever this program is being launched or is at least being shown some interest. MII is clearly a focus and the message has gone out that an unlimited cheque book tied to some notional GDP figure is not in play. The services have been given hitherto unprecedented freedom to make up UOR, WWR etc and MOD as well, but it comes with increased responsibility to "play fair and square" and not take the easy way out.

Like it or not, its becoming clear to the service HQs that the days of "import away, if it doesn't work, we will import again" are gone. People who are rising to the top, are also the "right kind", i.e. TPs and those with fire in the belly for true indigenization and MII, not merely some spares at BRD, ABW etc and then calling that sanction busting. Hard nosed decision makers who actually did stuff and know the nitty gritties of program management and complex indigenous programs. These were the guys who would be sidelined in years past.

Now, instead of import-fail-import again, the first import itself is being scrutinized, questions are being asked as to why the original plan failed. Not like the UPA era where "sab chalta hain" and no accountability was the norm in every GOI dept, services included and if any service guy bucked the norm like VK Singh did with Tatra he would be quickly shown the way out or conspired against.

As they say "fish rot from the head", under the UPA regime, it was pretty clear what the GOI wanted and what would be the end result. Those who played along (for a while at least) landed in hot water themselves but also saddled the services with some huge boondoggles. Its to the credit of the current GOI, they havent dug too much, lest it torpedo defence modernization and even sustainment of what we already have.
as always with the blowback, the lower levels have to carry the can for major eff ups at the ministry level as well as major players like defence PSUs and their agents ever willing to skew the equation in their favor without knowing head nor tail of the problem.

One PSU wanted exclusivity on the engines and all but scuttled the deal in their eagerness to buttress their balance sheet as well as that of a notorious dealer who was "advising" them.

almost every retired ex PSU chairman is running his own defence related business. These efforts are not mere happenstance. Most have been set up and nurtured while they were in service.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 20 Nov 2019 13:22

To avoid the inevitable arms merchants entering the fray when contests are taking place, the GOI coild enter into more G-to-G deals in the future.We've done that with several imports from the US. This would reduce the problem not eliminate it, but would require the babudom in the MOD to also come round.A simple example of yhe KA-236 helo deal signed after a tough contest by Mofiji and Putiin in 2015 has still not been sealed.In the meantime obsolete Chetaks continue to crash.

Secondly, some OEMs which supply critical eqpt. to tne country may get into a corruption controversy like RR, the Finnmeccanica Group ( VVIP hrlos), etc.Banning them would lead to a catastrophic situ as in the case of RR
whose engines are so widely used. So some systems of punishment, drafting of deals must be hugely improved to make it more difficult .for the corrupt to benefit.

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 30 Jul 2020 15:23

2 decades..

Ex-Samata Party chief Jaya Jaitley, 2 others get 4-year jail term in 2001 defence deal corruption case

A court here on Thursday awarded four-year jail term to former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitley in a 2000-01 corruption case related to a purported defence deal. A lawyer said the Delhi court awarded four-year jail terms to two other convicts as well. They include Jaya Jaitley's ex-party colleague Gopal Pacherwal and Major General (retd) SP Murgai.

The court further imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on the three convicts, while asking all of them to surrender before the court by 5 pm this evening.

The court had earlier found the three guilty of corruption and criminal conspiracy in the purported acquisition of hand-held thermal imagers.

The case was filed after a news portal in January 2001 aired a sting titled 'Operation Westend'.

The Central Bureau of Investigation had earlier sought maximum punishment of 7-year jail term for the three convicts. The CBI had argued that maximum punishment be given to the convicts as the crime was of very serious nature.

The defence counsel had, however, asked for the court to show leniency as the convicts were aged.

In its ruling, the court had said that all three accused, along with Surender Kumar Surekha (who later turned approver), were involved in the criminal conspiracy that was executed around December 2000 and January 2001 at Delhi.

The verdict stated that Jaitley had accepted illegal gratification of Rs 2 lakh from Mathew Samuel, who was representing a fictional company called Westend International. Murgai, on the other hand, had received Rs 20,000, said the court.

The money was accepted for securing supply orders for hand-held thermal imagers from the Army.

abhik · Post by **abhik** » 30 Jul 2020 23:35

^^^
Is this the first instance of anyone getting convicted in an arms deal corruption case (I can't recall any other case till date)? The bribe amounts are pitiful, even for 20 years ago - small time players getting punished.

kit · Post by **kit** » 05 Oct 2020 23:24

Instead of corruption per se., is the underperformance or poor quality control or poor management in defence PSUs not a form of corruption of the system per se? I am quite aware this is a touchy and controversial issue.Is there a lot more focus on corruption of the acquisition of systems rather than on the system of production itself ?

jamwal · Post by **jamwal** » 09 Jul 2021 21:20

https://twitter.com/premk56/status/1413 ... 33/photo/1

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 10 Jul 2021 21:20

Well such facilities are important for improving moral of the service personnel. By insuring peace and tranquility at the home front.

How dare you underestimate his contribution to the cause.

jamwal · Post by **jamwal** » 11 Aug 2021 12:28

https://twitter.com/Warrior_Mukul/statu ... 9413482502
Fauji Accomodation in Delhi Cantt: While passing through the Baird Place accommodation, one can see the pitiable state. Right under the nose of MUNGERI, this is the state

Quality of residential buildings in Delhi cantt. I've seen them from road and it was even worse 4-5 years back. When were they constructed? Can't be more than 10 years old.

ks_sachin · Post by **ks_sachin** » 11 Aug 2021 12:47

jamwal wrote:https://twitter.com/Warrior_Mukul/statu ... 9413482502
Fauji Accomodation in Delhi Cantt: While passing through the Baird Place accommodation, one can see the pitiable state. Right under the nose of MUNGERI, this is the state
Quality of residential buildings in Delhi cantt. I've seen them from road and it was even worse 4-5 years back. When were they constructed? Can't be more than 10 years old.

So you see why bright young men and women don't want to join the forces...
You should have seen some of the conditions we lived in when I was a kid in some of the more out of the way places....

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Nov 2021 01:45

Mediapart’s new ‘expose’ on the Rafale deal involves payments that were made during UPA era, not regarding current deal: Details
https://www.opindia.com/2021/11/mediapa ... g-upa-era/
08 Nov 2021

After the NDA Government came to power, the UPA era deal was scrapped and the Indian Government secured a government-to-government deal that involved India buying 36 Rafale jets directly from the French Government.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Nov 2021 01:46

Congress leaders score self goal, promote news about bribery in Rafale deal, bribes were paid during UPA era
https://www.opindia.com/2021/11/congres ... ose-media/
08 Nov 2021

Before reading the actual content of the 'expose', Congress accounts on social media leapt on to the matter to accuse the NDA Government at the center of corruption.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Nov 2021 01:47

https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/ ... 07104?s=20 ---> Dassault paid €14.6 million to intermediary Sushen Gupta over the period 2004-2013 to sell Rafale. So UPA was collecting kickbacks but couldn’t close the deal? NDA later scrapped it and got into a contract with the French Govt, which upset Rahul Gandhi no end.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Nov 2021 01:51

Must watch video...

https://twitter.com/TimesNow/status/145 ... 45730?s=20 ---> It appears from Bofors to Rafale, Congress is so possessive about being a fountainhead of big ticket corruption: @ARanganathan72, Author, tells Rahul Shivshankar on INDIA UPFRONT.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Nov 2021 01:54

Chetak, if you are reading this....

Is this the Brahmāstra you once mentioned or is there another surprise waiting?

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 09 Nov 2021 03:36

Rakesh wrote:Must watch video...

https://twitter.com/TimesNow/status/145 ... 45730?s=20 ---> It appears from Bofors to Rafale, Congress is so possessive about being a fountainhead of big ticket corruption: @ARanganathan72, Author, tells Rahul Shivshankar on INDIA UPFRONT.

OMG

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 09 Nov 2021 03:55

Rakesh wrote:Chetak, if you are reading this....

Is this the Brahmāstra you once mentioned or is there another surprise waiting?

any colonial power or colonized country is culturally "cash and carry" accepting and both are historically immune to ethics governing business deals

france is a past master in sweetening the deal and the congis are amongst the most flexible in the world to sweetened deals.

this is going to blowback on either the famiglia or eminences close to the famiglia.

Either way, a dead fall guy is readily available to muddy the waters.

onion merchants are strangely silent after the raids on spring onions and मालिकs are speaking through their naukars.

wonder why pappu buzzed off to lund-on, especially when he knew that his pet topic would be in the limelight so let's see who pads up and opens the batting

It may head into a duckworth-lewis finish, especially with the UP elections looming

does kamalnath tie into this via the sonny boy route

One "RG" is mentioned (50 crores) in the payoff list found with the prime suspect

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 10 Nov 2021 20:32

look who was pushing for the eurofighter

and how the rafale deal was actively being sidelined by the congis

christian michel has been in Indian custody since 2018, despite best britshit efforts to get him out

the eyetalian famiglia connection is right there

look at the third encircled text selection

and also

IIRC, vipin narang is mani shankar aiyer's son in law.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 18 Mar 2022 02:02

Hindustan Times reports CBI files third charge sheet in the August scam. This time Shashikant Sharma, 1976 IAS batch, and four IAF officers are charged. The travesty of CBI investigations is they are so slow that the scamsters get promoted. SK Sharma became CAG!
A scamster became a watchddog! Reflect on that.
Recently an IPS officer was found guilty of incompetence and causing the death of 29 Policemen in a Naxalite ambush. He went on to get a high office!

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 79680.html

Cyrano · Post by **Cyrano** » 18 Mar 2022 02:58

Comatose Buffalo of Investigation

bharathp · Post by **bharathp** » 18 Mar 2022 08:52

Cyrano wrote:Comatose Buffalo of Investigation

perhaps/most probably the buffalo itself is/was compromised.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Aug 2022 03:24

https://twitter.com/LiveLawIndia/status ... U_4vdaPUfA ---> Supreme Court dismisses a petition seeking fresh inquiry into the Rafale deal in the light of certain reports in a French news portal alleging payment of bribe by Dassault Aviation to an Indian middleman.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Aug 2022 03:25

Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Seeking Fresh Probe Into Rafale Deal
https://swarajyamag.com/insta/supreme-c ... afale-deal
29 August 2022

Zynda · Post by **Zynda** » 08 Sep 2022 12:30

I feel like this is a hit job article against indigenous MIC probably by C-lobby & other import dalals...
India 'Running Out Of Weapons' Due To "Make In India" Policy: Report
In the article. as usual sources want to remain anonymous and un-named persons are the sources of info...

sanjayc · Post by **sanjayc** » 08 Sep 2022 16:46

^^ Chandigarh lobby in collusion with Western MIC has hit back. They want their commissions at all costs. The gravy train shouldn't stop,, otherwise who will finance their wife's shopping trip to Paris?

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 08 Sep 2022 17:22

The last hurrah.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 08 Sep 2022 17:45

Panic has set in with the Tejas Mk2 approval and soon to arrive AMCA approval.

Expect more such lifafa articles in the future.

MeshaVishwas · Post by **MeshaVishwas** » 29 May 2023 14:37

@ANI on Twitter
Another UPA era ghotaala.
Justice has to be delivered with extreme prejudice.
Also CBI needs to name the "Public Servants".

CBI registers a case against British Aerospace company Rolls Royce India Pvt Ltd, Tim Jones, Director Rolls Royce India Pvt Ltd and private individuals Sudhir Chuadhrie and Bhanu Chaudharie and other unknown public servants and private persons with the objective to cheat the Government of India in the matter of procurement of Hawk Aircraft from Rolls Royce plc, UK and its associate group companies, including M/s Rolls Royce Turbomeca Limited: CBI

The unknown public servants abused their official positions as public servants and approved & procured a total number of 24 Hawk 115 Advance Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft for GBP 734.21 million, besides permitting licence manufacturing of 42 additional aircraft by M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) against materials supplied by the said manufacturer for an additional amount of USD 308.247 million for the said 42 License Manufactured aircraft and USD 7.5 million towards Manufacturer's Licence Fee, in lieu of huge bribes, commissions and kickbacks paid by the said manufacturer and its officers to intermediaries: CBI

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 29 May 2023 17:02

^
Good timing

Yawn- British army chief visits Pakistan for 'defence engagement'

During his visit, Gen Sanders will meet Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, alongside holding other defence activities.

According to the press release, the depth and warmth of the UK-Pakistan military relationship and friendship, underpinned by a shared history and ‘living bridge' diaspora links, is highly valued by the UK.

yes the relationship has certainly been groomed by the Pakis over the years

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 29 May 2023 20:38

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... 79584?s=20 ---> CBI registers a case against British Aerospace company Rolls Royce India Pvt Ltd, Tim Jones, Director Rolls Royce India Pvt Ltd and private individuals Sudhir Chuadhrie and Bhanu Chaudharie and other unknown public servants and private persons with the objective to cheat the Government of India in the matter of procurement of Hawk Aircraft from Rolls Royce plc, UK and its associate group companies, including M/s Rolls Royce Turbomeca Limited: CBI.

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... 33664?s=20 ---> The unknown public servants abused their official positions as public servants and approved & procured a total number of 24 Hawk 115 Advance Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft for GBP 734.21 million, besides permitting licence manufacturing of 42 additional aircraft by M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) against materials supplied by the said manufacturer for an additional amount of USD 308.247 million for the said 42 License Manufactured aircraft and USD 7.5 million towards Manufacturer's Licence Fee, in lieu of huge bribes, commissions and kickbacks paid by the said manufacturer and its officers to intermediaries: CBI.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 29 May 2023 20:39

Twitter Thread...

https://twitter.com/manupubby/status/16 ... 49536?s=20 ---> CBI registers a case against Sudhir and Bhanu Choudhrie for alleged corruption in the Hawk trainer aircraft deal with engine manufacturer Rolls Royce. This has been a long process, reported in detail for almost 10 years. A short thread on ET stories on the matter.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 30 May 2023 09:00

Its not difficult to find out who the babus were during Hawk scam.
Most likely they will tunr approver.
CBI probably knows all of them.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 30 May 2023 09:15

We have seen too many, "scams". But not many convictions.

Zynda · Post by **Zynda** » 30 May 2023 10:36

^^+100...need more convictions to start making examples.