Milan, Jun 19: The former head of the Italian aerospace and defense giant Finmeccanica goes on trial in a case involving alleged bribes to win a 560 million euro (USD 670 million) helicopter contract in India. Giuseppe Orsi, who resigned in February, faces corruption charges in a case that has tarnished the state-controlled company.
Also on trial is Bruno Spagnolini, CEO of AgustaWestland, the defense contractor's helicopter division. The accelerated trial opened today in Busto Arsizio north of Milan after a judge decided there was enough evidence to proceed without a preliminary hearing. Orsi has denied wrongdoing, while Spagnolini has not commented. Both Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland deny wrongdoing.
India, which is also investigating the corruption allegations, has stopped the delivery of the remaining nine AW1010 helicopters.
