"For me, Delhi is just a larger prison."
A British national detained in an Indian prison for his alleged role in a major money laundering case has refused bail.
Christian Michel James, extradited from Dubai in 2018, is alleged to have acted as a middleman in the AgustaWestland helicopter bribery scandal.
He has spent over six years in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail awaiting trial.
Despite being granted bail by India’s Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court, he declined to accept it.
James told Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal: “For me, Delhi is just a larger prison.
“My family cannot come here; they have been told for years it is not safe. You know I have security issues. There have been attempts on my life twice.”
James, recently treated for hip surgery at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), claimed an incident during his stay there raised further concerns.
He said: “I have to say with great regret that something happened in AIIMS that I have to talk to you about in private. And I have witnesses.”
The court acknowledged his concerns but insisted there was no legal basis to detain him once bail had been granted.
The judge said: “But you have gotten bail.”
James replied: “That is my point, your honour. I would rather serve my sentence and continue the trial via video conferencing from a safe country.”
James’ lawyer, Aljo K Joseph, said his client fears for his safety and cannot leave India as his passport has been seized.
Mr Joseph said: “He is not refusing bail.
“The conditions are that his passport has to be seized, and he cannot travel abroad.
“But as he said in court, staying outside and staying in Delhi is not safe for him. There have already been two attempts on his life.”
James requested clarity from the court regarding his sentence.
“What I want is for the lord to identify my exact sentence. What is my sentence? I will serve that sentence.”
The court stressed that sentencing could only happen after the trial. Prosecutors argued his continued detention in the Indian prison was necessary given the risk of him fleeing.
James was granted bail on the condition he provided a bond of Rs. 500,000 (£4,500) and a matching surety while surrendering his passport. His refusal to leave the Indian prison complicates his legal status.
When asked if he could arrange a secure residence in India, James claimed that would require his own security team.
He claimed: “The problem I am having is with the police.”
Despite six years in custody, his trial has yet to start. His legal team argues this violates his right to a speedy trial.
Mr Joseph said: “The investigation started in 2013. We are now in 2025, and 12 years have passed.
“The investigation is still not complete.
“They are looking for something that does not exist. They are looking for evidence that they are not getting. It is just a red herring.”
James’ lawyers said the UK High Commission has provided limited support, such as delivering letters and basic supplies.
Mr Joseph continued: “There has not been much support beyond normal consular visits.
“We have been telling them repeatedly that the UK government should call for his release.
“But the UK government has some reservations and has only said, ‘OK, it’s a due process, court proceedings’.
“That’s what they have been saying for a long time.”
Christian Michel James is accused of facilitating bribes in the 2010 AgustaWestland deal.
The £322.4 million contract involved India’s Ministry of Defence and the Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland for 12 luxury VVIP helicopters.
Investigators claim James received £25.7 million in commissions and used shell companies to disguise illicit funds.
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has charged him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He also faces corruption-related charges from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In February 2025, India’s Supreme Court granted him bail in the CBI case, criticising the lengthy investigation.
The Supreme Court said: “You will not be able to conclude the trial in another 25 years going by what your conduct has been.”
Loading ...