The incident involved 300 Indian passengers aboard a plane that had taken off from the United Arab Emirates.
Liliana Bakayoko, a lawyer representing the airline, stated that Legend Airlines believed it had committed no offense.
In response to the grounding, the company denied any wrongdoing and expressed readiness to cooperate with French authorities. However, Bakayoko emphasized that legal action would be pursued if charges were filed against the airline.
Here’s what’s known so far about the situation:
Detainment and Investigation: The aircraft was detained following an anonymous tipoff to French authorities, prompting the involvement of the national anti-organized crime unit, JUNALCO. Two individuals were arrested for questioning as suspicions of human trafficking arose.
Grounding and Passenger Treatment: The A340 aircraft operated by Legend Airlines remained grounded at Vatry airport after police intervention during a technical stopover. Passengers believed to be victims of human trafficking potentially were initially kept on the plane before being provided individual beds in the terminal building. The entire airport was cordoned off by law enforcement.
Suspected Intentions of Passengers: Sources close to the case suggested that the Indian passengers might have been attempting illegal entry into the United States or Canada via Central America.
Consular Access and Response: India’s embassy in France confirmed receiving consular access to the Indian citizens involved. The embassy assured an investigation into the situation while ensuring the well-being of the passengers.
The Vatry airport, situated east of Paris, primarily caters to budget airlines. Human trafficking allegations in France carry severe penalties of up to 20 years of imprisonment.
Tags: Human Trafficking, Legend Airlines
