Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolni were top executives with AgustaWestland during the time period of both the deal for 12 helicopters in India, and in Ontario. Spagnoli is still with Agusta, while Orsi is the chairman and chief executive officer of parent company Finmeccanica.
In a brief statement today, Finmeccanica “expresses support” for Orsi and Spagnolni. The statement does not specifically reference the allegations, but said that the company hopes “clarity is established quickly, whilst reaffirming its confidence in the judges.”
The judges referred to are investigating magistrates in Italy who have, for more than a year, been conducting a probe into the Indian helicopter deal.
Reuters and media in India have reported that kickbacks of about $740,000 were allegedly paid to government officials in India who were overseeing the helicopter deal.
Agusta has denied any wrongdoing and stated today that the arrests and search of Agusta's Italian offices will not affect the business operations of the company.
In Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police are one year into an investigation of various issues related to ORNGE air ambulance. One line of investigation the police are probing relates to a payment of $4.8 million to a for-profit company controlled by founder Chris Mazza’s company after the non-profit ORNGE purchased 12 helicopters for a cost of $144 million. Mazza has denied any wrongdoing.
Original Article
Source: thestar.com
Author: Kevin Donovan
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