France grounds plane with over 300 Indians for ‘human trafficking’

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DELHI, India, Dec 23: France took action on Friday by grounding a plane en route to Nicaragua with over 300 Indian passengers due to suspected involvement in “human trafficking.” The detention of the aircraft, carrying individuals deemed “likely to be victims of human trafficking,” occurred on Thursday following an anonymous tipoff, according to the Paris public prosecutor’s office.

The flight had originated from the United Arab Emirates, and the Indian embassy in France has responded by seeking consular access and conducting an investigation. In a statement, the embassy conveyed, “French authorities informed us of a plane with 303 people, mostly of Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport. The Embassy team has reached and obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring the well-being of passengers.”

Prosecutors revealed that the national anti-organized crime unit, JUNALCO, has taken charge of the investigation. The A340, operated by the Romanian company Legend Airlines, remained grounded at Vatry airport in the northeastern department of Marne after its landing. The plane, carrying 303 Indian nationals, was scheduled for refueling.

The prefecture in Marne reported that the reception area at Vatry airport was transformed into a waiting space with separate beds to provide optimal conditions for accommodating the passengers during the grounding.

The Paris public prosecution office emphasized that a specialized unit focusing on organized crime is actively investigating potential human trafficking suspicions. Two individuals have been placed in custody for interrogation in connection with this case.

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