After the arrest, the Italian firm said in a statement

that "Finmeccanica expresses support for its Chairman and CEO, with the hope that clarity is established quickly, whilst reaffirming its confidence in the Judges." It added, "With reference to the precautionary measures issued today towards the Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica and the CEO of the controlled Company AgustaWestland, Finmeccanica confirms that operating activities and ongoing projects of the Company will continue as usual." The CEO, who had known he was under investigation over the case for months, denied any wrongdoing before his arrest and said he would only resign his post if asked to do so by the Italian government, ANSA news agency reported. Police searched Orsi's home and the defence contractor's offices in Milan on Tuesday, it said. The company is approximately 30 per cent owned by the Italian state. Despite initial objections by the finance ministry, the CCS had cleared the deal in 2010. Antony had then said, "IAF and SPG repeatedly told us the helicopters were required because of the changing security scenario... The finance ministry also agreed later. The CCS then took a considered decision." As per earlier media reports, "slush money" allegedly generated by Finmeccanica through arms contracts was used to bribe Italian political parties. The Indian VVIP helicopter deal has also come in for some mention in the reports. After the allegations came to light, India had sought reports from the Italian investigators about their probe in the issue but no specific details were provided to it. In Parliament, Defence Minister A K Antony had said that if any wrongdoing is found in the case, "suitable penalty measures" will be taken by the Ministry. Antony had said the Defence Ministry was pursuing the matter and committed to take suitable penalty measures in event of allegations being substantiated. "However, in absence of any specific information in this regard, government has not ordered any formal inquiry into the case so far," he said.