Finmeccanica helicopter unit backs CEO over bribe prone

Helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland issued a statement in support of its chief executive after he was caught up in a corruption case over a contract with the Indian government.

Bruno Spagnolini, head of the helicopter business, has been placed under house arrest, a source said. Police arrested Giuseppe Orsi, CEO of parent company Finmeccanica , as part of the same inquiry.

"The company expresses its support to both of them and confirms its confidence in the judges," the statement said.

(Writing by Keith Weir, 44 20 7542 8022)