NEW DELHI: The investigation into the AgustaWestland scandal, spread across several countries, is throwing up hints about a bigger network of "money launderers" operating in India. Highly placed government sources told Times of India that during raids at Gautam Khaitan's premises and other places in September, they have stumbled upon data about suspected "shell companies" and "individuals", who probably helped launder money for high profile persons, businessmen and politicians. The companies, source added, are connected to several firms in different countries. Gautam Khaitan, a prominent lawyer, was arrested on September 23 for money laundering in the case.

The incriminating material recovered in the form of documents, laptops and mobile phones is being analyzed and agencies are conducting a full-fledged probe on the suspected "individuals" and "shell companies". The source refrained from naming the companies as of now since the probe is in its initial stages but confirmed that details of more than 50 companies have been recovered. "We are trying to find out the people behind these companies. Some of the companies have their links with other companies in different countries," said the officer.

Sources say that some businessmen and representatives of companies, whose names have come forth, will be examined in coming days and records of registrar of companies, income tax departments and bank transactions of these suspected companies/individuals would also be analyzed.

The federal agency - Enforcement Directorate - recently arrested Gautam Khaitan, who is also wanted by Italian investigators, in the Rs 3600 crore scandal where AgustaWestland allegedly paid bribes of Rs 360 crore to certain officials including former Air Chief S P Tyagi to win the contract for supply of 12 AW101 helicopters. These choppers were to perform VVIP duties for the Prime Minister, President and other important state officials. CBI is also investigating the alleged deal.

Khaitan was arrested under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). ED had lodged a case in July this year against Khaitan, former IAF chief SP Tyagi and 19 others in the VVIP chopper deal to probe 'money laundering'. The probe agency had, infact, informed the court that "investigation is of large magnitude having international ramifications." CBI had also named Khaitan alongwith former Air Chief SP Tyagi and others including European middlemen on charges of conspiracy and cheating.

Khaitan's advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey, when contacted, refuted all the allegations against his client. On documents recovered from Khaitan, Dubey said, "The documents are there with all the agencies including CBI and ED for two years now since my client has always cooperated. They have not recovered any incriminating documents from my client and there is no evidence against him. It is a premature investigation. Let them file the chargesheet, everything will be clear".

Named as accused by Italian investigators as well, Gautam Khaitan was on the board of Chandigarh-based Company Aeromatrix which was allegedly a front firm for routing the bribe money which came from AgustaWestland.

In its FIR in the scandal, CBI had alleged that during the tenure of Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi and "with his approval" the Air Force "conceded to reduce the service ceiling for VVIP helicopters from 6000 meters to 4500 meters as mandatory to which it was opposing vehemently on the grounds of security constraints and other related reasons earlier". It alleged that reduction of service ceiling - maximum height at which a helicopter can perform normally - allowed UK-based AgustaWestland to come into the fray. They otherwise were not even qualified for submission of bids.