In a recent development, a plane bound for Nicaragua carrying more than 300 Indian passengers has been grounded in France on suspicions of “human trafficking.”
The aircraft, which had taken off from the United Arab Emirates, was detained following an anonymous tipoff.
The Paris public prosecutor’s office informed AFP that the plane, suspected of carrying passengers “likely to be victims of human trafficking,” was apprehended on Thursday.
The national anti-organized crime unit, JUNALCO, has taken charge of the investigation.
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Operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, the A340 remained grounded at Vatry airport in the northeastern department of Marne, following its landing on Thursday.
Legend Air, with a small fleet of four aircraft, was scheduled to refuel, and the plane was carrying 303 Indian nationals, likely former workers in the UAE.
According to sources familiar with the case, there are suspicions that the passengers may have intended to travel to Central America with the goal of attempting illegal entry into the United States or Canada.
Upon landing in France, the passengers were initially kept on the aircraft before being allowed to disembark and provided with individual beds in the terminal building.
The entire airport was cordoned off by the police during the investigation.
Vatry airport, located 150 kilometers (90 miles) east of Paris, primarily serves budget airlines.
Human trafficking is a serious offense in France, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years.
The investigation will likely delve into the circumstances surrounding the suspected trafficking and the intentions of the passengers on board.
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