France seizes plane carrying 303 passengers suspected of being human trafficking victims

An Airbus A340 of Legend Airlines (Romania) carrying 303 Indian passengers, departing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nicaragua, was required to land at Vatry airport in eastern France on December 22 due to suspicion of human trafficking.

The A340, operated by Romania's Legend Airlines, remains on the runway at Vatry airport pending investigation. Photo: AIRLIVE.NET

The plane was seized by French authorities after receiving an anonymous tip that passengers on board “could be victims of human trafficking,” the French prosecutor’s office said. Among the passengers were minors. French police have detained two men on board suspected of human trafficking. Police and soldiers have also sealed off the entire airport as part of the investigation.

The national unit for combating organized crime (JUNALCO) is leading the investigation, and is currently verifying the identities of the 303 passengers and crew, as well as examining the conditions under which they were transported and the purpose of their trip, Le Monde reported. One source said the passengers may have planned to travel to Central America to illegally enter the United States or Canada. Human trafficking is punishable by up to 20 years in prison in France.

In a statement on social media X, the Indian Embassy in France said it had been informed of the incident and was “investigating the situation and ensuring the safety of passengers”.

The A340, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, remains on the runway at Vatry airport pending an investigation. Vatry airport, located 150km east of Paris, serves mostly low-cost airlines. Legend Airlines lawyer Liliana Bakayoko said the company did nothing wrong and was not guilty. The airline will take legal action if prosecutors bring charges.

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/phap-giu-may-bay-cho-303-hanh-khach-nghi-la-nan-nhan-buon-nguoi-post719621.html