Over 300 Indians stranded as plane grounded in France over suspected human trafficking
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Vatry: A Nicaragua-bound plane, carrying 303 Indian nationals, has been detained in France on suspicion of involvement in human trafficking, as confirmed by authorities on Friday.
The aircraft, originating from the United Arab Emirates, was halted in France following an anonymous tipoff regarding potential human trafficking activities involving the passengers. The Paris public prosecutor's office informed AFP that the passengers were possibly victims of human trafficking, leading to the detention of the plane on Thursday.
The investigation into the suspected trafficking case has been handed over to JUNALCO, the national anti-organised crime unit. The Marne department's prefecture in northeastern France disclosed that the A340 aircraft, managed by Romanian company Legend Airlines, remained grounded at Vatry airport after its arrival.
The plane had intended to refuel during its stopover in France.
Reports indicate that the 303 Indian nationals on board had purported plans to travel to Central America with potential intentions of attempting illegal entry into either the United States or Canada. These passengers, caught in the middle of the unfolding investigation, are under scrutiny regarding their planned destinations and the nature of their travel, which led to the grounding of the plane in France.