Former Finmeccanica CEO has been released from jail pending trial on charges of corruption next month.
Giussepe Orsi was released after being incarcerated for nearly 80 says while awaiting pre-trial. He faces charges of bribery and corruption in order to land a Eur560 million or US$670 million deal to sell twelve choppers to the Indian Air Force.
Orsi was the head of the Agusta helicopter division of the Italian defense giant at the time of the deal. He was succeeeded by Bruno Spagnoli and both would stand trial by June 19.
Italian prosecutors alleged that giving kickbacks to contractual partners were part and parcel of the company's overall philosophy. For its part, the Indian government is also conducting its own inquiry on the transaction and has placed the deliveries on hpld.
Orsi has claimed innocence to the criminal charges. He was removed from office and was also replaced as the CEO of the state controlled firm after his arrest by Italian authorities.
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