Police in France questioned two men after authorities grounded a flight to Nicaragua carrying more than 300 Indian passengers on suspicion of “human trafficking,” prosecutors said Friday.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, an anonymous tip suggested that the flight, which flew in from the United Arab Emirates, was carrying people who could be victims of human trafficking.
The A340 plane, operated by Romania-based charter company Legend Airlines, was grounded on Thursday as it stopped to refuel at Vatry airport in eastern France.
Where are the passengers now?
“Identity checks are being carried out on the 303 passengers and the cabin crew,” said the public prosecutor’s office.
The statement added that officials also checked the conditions under which the passengers were carried and the purpose of their travel.
After the flight ban, the passengers initially stayed on the plane, but were then taken to the terminal building, where they were given single beds.
They were expected to stay at the airport overnight on Friday, local authorities said.
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Indian Embassy in France said that authorities in Paris had informed them about the situation.
“The embassy team achieved and obtained consular access,” it said.
“We are investigating the situation and also ensuring the well-being of the passengers.”
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dvv/sri (AFP, AP)