'Deal To Be Scrapped If Charges Proven'

India will blacklist Finmeccanica SpA and cancel its deal to buy 12 helicopters from the Italian defence group if allegations of bribery are proven against the company, Defence Ministry A.K. Antony said.

 

Antony said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had been ordered to investigate the matter and if the allegations were proven, those involved would "pay for their lapses. Nobody will be spared."

 

Italian police arrested Finmeccanica's chief executive Giuseppe Orsi on 13 February for alleged bribes paid to secure the sale of 12 AgustaWestland executive helicopters to the Indian Air Force, when he was head of the Finmeccanica helicopter unit.