International Desk, 23rd December: Two individuals have been detained in connection with an incident in France where a plane en route to Nicaragua, carrying 303 Indian passengers, was grounded due to suspected human trafficking, as per the local authorities’ statement on Friday.
The prosecutor’s office received a tip-off about potential trafficking victims aboard the flight, prompting the national anti-organized crime unit JUNALCO to take over the investigation. The A340, managed by Romanian firm Legend Airlines, remained grounded at Vatry airport after departing from Dubai for refueling.
The passengers, likely UAE workers, were being interrogated, and the airport was sealed off by the police.
Following the landing on Thursday, all passengers were moved into Vatry airport’s main terminal building, where individual cots were arranged for an overnight stay. The Marne region administration informed a French newspaper about these arrangements.
A source close to the case suggested that the passengers may have intended to illegally enter the US or Canada via Central America. Another source revealed that minors were among the passengers.
The prosecutor’s office is conducting identity checks on passengers and cabin crew, while an investigation into transportation conditions and the purpose of the journey is underway. Legend Airlines’ lawyer, Liliana Bakayoko, stated that the company believes it has not committed any wrongdoing and is at the disposal of the French authorities.
However, Bakayoko mentioned that legal action would be initiated if charges were filed by the prosecutors.
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