News Brief
Nicaragua-Bound Plane Carrying Over 300 Indians Grounded In France Over Suspected Human Trafficking
A Legend Airlines plane (Representative Image)
A Nicaragua-bound plane, carrying over 300 Indian passengers, has reportedly been grounded by France over suspected 'human trafficking'.
According to the Paris prosecutors, the aircraft was grounded on Thursday (21 December) following an anonymous tip.
Officials from the eastern Marne region confirmed on Friday that a judicial investigation into the trip's conditions and purposes.
Media outlets in France, such as BFM TV and France 3, have reported that an investigation is underway by the authorities over the suspicion of human trafficking.
Paris public prosecutor's office told news agency AFP that the aircraft carrying passengers "likely to be victims of human trafficking" was detained after they received a tip-off.
The aircraft, owned by a Romanian charter company, had departed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and made a technical stop at the small Vatry airport. It was here that police intervention took place.
The terminal at Vatry airport was converted into a waiting area with separate beds to ensure optimal comfort for passengers.
The national anti-organised crime unit JUNALCO has taken over the investigation, according to the prosecutors.
The prefecture in the northeastern department of Marne stated that A340, which was being operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, "remained grounded on the tarmac at Vatry airport following its landing".
The aircraft was due for refuelling and was carrying 303 Indian nationals.
According to the reports, the journey undertaken by the Indian passengers might have been planned to arrive in Central America. From there, they could potentially try to infiltrate the United States or Canada unlawfully.
Reacting to the incident, Indian Embassy in France said, "French authorities informed us of a plane w/ 303 people, mostly Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport. Embassy team has reached & obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring wellbeing of passengers."
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