Embraer aircraft deal: CBI registers preliminary enquiry against unknown officials of Defence Ministry

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) against unknown officials of the Defence Ministry and others to probe alleged kickbacks in the Embraer aircraft deal.

This move comes after a reference from the said ministry on allegations related to M/s. Embraer employing an agent to facilitate various contracts.

These include the contract for AEW&C project with CABS/ DRDO for procurement of three aircrafts.

Earlier, the government had asked the CBI to probe allegations of Brazilian aviation major Embraer hiring a UK-based agent and paying commissions to swing the deal for three Emb-145 aircraft signed with India in 2008.

 

The three EMB-145 aircraft have been equipped with indigenous radars in a 2,520 crore rupees DRDO project to serve as airborne early-warning and control systems aircraft for Indian Air Force.