Ottavio Quattrocchi facts for kids

Ottavio Quattrocchi (1938 – 13 July 2013) was an Italian businessman. He was known for his involvement in a big case called the Bofors scandal in India. For many years, Indian authorities wanted him to answer questions about money payments that were part of this case.

His role in the Bofors scandal and his close friendship with the family of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi caused a lot of discussion. Some people believe this situation affected the Congress Party in the 1989 elections.

In 1999, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is India's main investigating agency, said that Mr. Quattrocchi was involved in handling money in the Bofors case. In 2003, it was found that he and his wife had large amounts of money in bank accounts in London. These accounts were frozen, meaning the money couldn't be used. However, in 2006, the money in these accounts was unfrozen, which raised questions because the CBI had wanted them to stay frozen.

In 2007, Mr. Quattrocchi was held in Argentina because Interpol (an international police organization) had issued a notice for him. India tried to bring him back to answer questions, but the attempt was not successful. The judge in Argentina said that India did not provide the right legal papers. Because of this, India had to pay for Mr. Quattrocchi's legal costs.

Mr. Quattrocchi's son, Massimo, grew up with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, who are the children of Sonia Gandhi. Massimo Quattrocchi was involved in business and visited India often.

Early Life and Connections in India

Ottavio Quattrocchi was born in Mascali, a town in province of Catania, Sicily, Italy, in 1938. He came to India in the mid-1960s. He worked as a representative for an Italian oil and gas company called Eni and its engineering part, Snamprogetti.

His family became very close to the Gandhi family. This was because of their connection with Rajiv Gandhi's Italian wife, Sonia Gandhi, who later became the leader of the Indian National Congress party.

A judge noted in 2002 that around 1974, Mr. Quattrocchi met Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi. They started visiting each other, and their children played together. At that time, Rajiv Gandhi was a pilot. The families would exchange Italian food and gifts. This is how Mr. Quattrocchi became very close to Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi.

Because of this friendship, Mr. Quattrocchi became very influential. People even said that government officials would stand up when he visited them. A writer named Ashok Malik mentioned that from about 1980 to 1987, Mr. Quattrocchi seemed to have a "Midas touch," meaning everything he touched turned to gold. It was understood that if there was a contract for things like fertilizers, it would often go to Snamprogetti. This was seen as a favor to Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi.

Even ministers noticed his influence. VP Singh, who was the Finance Minister at the time and later became Prime Minister, said that Rajiv Gandhi asked him to meet Mr. Quattrocchi. This shows how important Mr. Quattrocchi had become in big business deals. For example, a project for a fertilizer plant was given to Mr. Quattrocchi's company, even though an earlier decision had been for another company.

Business Projects in India

Mr. Quattrocchi helped Snamprogetti win about 60 projects in India. Some of these important projects included:

• In 1981, five plants for RCF in Alibag (Thal Vaishet).
• Four plants for Kribhco in Hazira in 1981.
• An ONGC gas pipeline in Hazira in 1981.
• In 1983, plants for National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) in Naya Nangal, Punjab and two plants in Guna.
• In 1984, three plants for IFFCO in Aonla.
• In 1987, two plants for Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited in Kakinada.

It became known that if companies wanted contracts in India, Mr. Quattrocchi was the person to talk to.

Sometimes, if a project did not go to Snamprogetti, there were consequences. For example, in 1985, a French company offered a much lower price for a pipeline project. After this, several important officials lost their jobs or were moved to less powerful positions. This included the petroleum minister, the cabinet secretary, the petroleum secretary, and the chairman of the Gas Authority of India.

Interpol Notice Removed

In April 2009, Interpol removed the "red-corner notice" against Ottavio Quattrocchi. This happened after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India asked for it to be removed.

Later, in 2011, a court in India closed the case against Mr. Quattrocchi. The court allowed the CBI to stop trying to prosecute him. The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Vinod Yadav, noted that the CBI had spent a lot of money and time (about 21 years) on the investigation. However, they had not been able to find strong legal proof about a conspiracy in the case. The judge also pointed out that the CBI had spent much more money on the investigation than the amount of money Mr. Quattrocchi was accused of receiving.

Death

Ottavio Quattrocchi passed away from a heart attack on 13 July 2013 in Milan, Italy.