Over 20 passengers from Gujarat, who were on a Nicaragua-bound flight diverted back from France, are being questioned by authorities to investigate a suspected illegal immigration network operating in the state. The Airbus A340, carrying 276 passengers, was grounded in France for four days due to concerns about human trafficking.
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) is focusing on the 60 passengers from Gujarat, probing whether they planned to illegally enter the United States after reaching Latin America. “We are verifying their documents and financial transactions to see if they align with a genuine tourist trip,” said S P Rajkumar, Additional Director General of Police.
Nicaragua has become a popular transit point for those seeking asylum in the US, raising concerns about potential misuse of travel routes. Notably, data shows a significant increase in Indians attempting to enter the US illegally in 2023, with flights to Nicaragua often used as a stepping stone.