In a significant development at France’s Vatry Airport, approximately 300 Indian citizens, including children and families, have been detained for three days amid suspicions of human trafficking. The group, on a flight from Fujairah, UAE, to Managua, Nicaragua, was intercepted based on an anonymous tip. Among the passengers, the youngest is a 21-month-old toddler, and several unaccompanied minors are present.
The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated a special investigation into suspected human trafficking involving an organized criminal group. Two passengers have been detained, but details on the nature of the alleged trafficking or whether the U.S. was the final destination remain undisclosed.
To maintain privacy, French authorities have covered the windows of the small airport with white tarps. The grounded A340 aircraft, part of Legend Airlines, has been visible since Thursday, causing significant disruptions to the airport’s operations.
The crew of 15, after being questioned, were released. Legal representation for Legend Airlines has stated the airline’s cooperation with the investigation and denial of any involvement in human trafficking. A partner company was responsible for verifying passenger identities, and the crew, of various nationalities, is reportedly distressed by the situation.
The detained passengers have been provided with necessities, including medical care and meals, while consular representatives from India are working towards a resolution. The U.S. government has previously identified Nicaragua as a country not meeting minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking. The country often serves as a transit point for migrants from various regions due to its lenient entry requirements.
This incident comes against the backdrop of a significant increase in Indian migrants traveling through Mexico to the U.S., with arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border more than doubling in the past year. The ongoing situation at Vatry Airport highlights the complex challenges of global migration and human trafficking.