Plane Grounded in France Over Suspected Human Trafficking of 300 Indian Passengers

A plane bound for Nicaragua carrying over 300 Indian passengers has been grounded in France due to suspicions of human trafficking. The detention of the aircraft took place following an anonymous tipoff, with authorities suspecting the passengers to be potential victims of human trafficking. The plane, which originated from the United Arab Emirates and was operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, was detained at Vatry airport. The investigation is now under the jurisdiction of the national anti-organised crime unit JUNALCO, as officials look into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sources suggest that the Indian passengers may have intended to travel to Central America for possible illegal entry into the United States or Canada.

The plane, identified as an A340, had initially planned to refuel but remained grounded at Vatry airport in the northeastern Marne department. Among the 303 Indian nationals on board, suspicions arose that they might have been part of a human trafficking scheme, intending to travel to Central America with potential plans to attempt illegal entry into the United States or Canada. The Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the detention was prompted by concerns about the passengers possibly being victims of human trafficking. As the investigation unfolds under JUNALCO, authorities are working to determine the details of the situation and assess the potential involvement of the passengers in illicit activities.