Indian nationals stranded in France due to human trafficking probe safely repatriated

Airlines’ Airbus A340, with 276 Indian passengers, grounded in France amid a trafficking probe, has safely landed in Mumbai.

| Updated: 26 December, 2023 12:23 pm IST
Probe into alleged trafficking syndicate behind foiled immigration to Nicaragua

NEW DELHI: A Romania-based Legend Airlines Airbus A340 carrying 276 Indian passengers, which was grounded in France for four days amid a human trafficking probe, has safely landed in Mumbai. The flight, en route from the United Arab Emirates to Nicaragua, was detained at Vatry airport following a tip-off about potential human trafficking.

READ MORE: Over 300 Indians on Nicaragua-bound plane landed in France over trafficking suspicions

Passengers on the flight endured days of uncertainty, confined at Vatry airport, approximately 150 km east of Paris. The airport authorities transformed the terminal into a makeshift courtroom for emergency hearings. The situation took a new twist as 25 passengers, including two minors, sought asylum in France.

Meanwhile, two individuals were detained and brought before a French judge. Subsequently, they were released and placed under assisted witness status, as reported by a French news channel. On Monday, the Indian Embassy in France expressed gratitude to the French government and Vatry Airport authorities for their hospitality and swift resolution, allowing the Indian passengers to return home.

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While French authorities stated they did not find evidence of human trafficking, investigations into potential breaches of immigration laws are ongoing. The incident underscores the challenges of international air travel and the complexities of addressing concerns related to human trafficking.

 

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