The French authorities, in their ongoing probe into an illegal visa racket, have brought to light a significant case of human trafficking originating from India. A private company's flight, en route to Nicaragua from Dubai, made a fuel stop at Vatry airport in France. Following suspicions of human trafficking, the plane was detained for investigation by French authorities. Among the 303 passengers aboard, more than 250 were Indian nationals, with 96 hailing from Gujarat.
The CID, while interrogating the passengers, revealed that those questioned held Nicaraguan tourist visas. Despite the questioning, the individuals remained silent about any fraudulent activity and claimed their intent was for tourism.
Most of the Gujarati passengers, predominantly from Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, and Anand districts, had assembled in Dubai from December 14 onwards. Their collective intent was to board a flight to Nicaragua, eventually seeking illegal entry into America from there.
The aircraft, destined for Nicaragua, aimed to facilitate illegal entry into America with the assistance of an agent upon arrival. However, suspicions arose when the plane, requiring fuel, made an unexpected stop in France. The investigation revealed plans to transport the illegal passengers from Nicaragua to the Mexico border.
The incident has sparked concern among officials in France and Gujarat. The CID Crime suspects that these individuals were aiming to enter America for employment. Investigations are ongoing to unveil the modus operandi behind their intended illegal entry and identify those aiding such illicit activities. Passengers, anxious about revealing any information, fear losing the amount paid to the agent if details emerge.
Following the French probe's findings, state and national agencies have initiated investigations. In Gujarat, CID Crime has filed a case against Ankit Patel and Vishal Shah of Gandhinagar, accusing them of producing duplicate marksheets for obtaining foreign visas. Authorities have begun verifying the credentials of the suspected agents involved in the trafficking.