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Romania-based Legend Airlines believes it has committed ‘no crime’ as authorities in France stopped a Nicaragua-bound plane carrying 300 Indian passengers on suspicion of ‘human trafficking’, says airline lawyer Liliana Bakayoko said.
talking to AFP, “The company has denied any wrongdoing in the incident and is under investigation by French authorities,” Bakayoko said. “But the airline will take legal action if prosecutors file charges.”
The plane had taken off from the United Arab Emirates. The flight, operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, had taken off from Dubai and landed at the small Vetri airport for a technical stop on Thursday afternoon when police intervened.
France stops plane due to suspected ‘human trafficking’: What do we know so far?
1) The Paris public prosecutor’s office said the plane carrying passengers “likely to be victims of human trafficking” was detained on Thursday following an anonymous tip. AFP.
2) The national anti-organized crime unit JUNALCO has taken over the investigation. The Paris public prosecution office said a unit specializing in organized crime was investigating suspicions of human trafficking and had arrested two people for questioning, adding that authorities had been tipped off by an anonymous informant.
3) The prefecture of the northeastern department of Marne said the A340, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, “remained parked on the tarmac at Vatry airport after landing”.
4) People familiar with the matter said the Indian travelers may have planned to travel to Central America to attempt illegal entry into the United States or Canada.
5) After landing in France they were first put on the plane, but then taken out and given separate beds in the terminal building. The entire airport was surrounded by the police.
6) Vitry Airport, located 150 kilometers (90 mi) east of Paris, serves mostly budget airlines. In France, there is a provision of punishment of up to 20 years for human trafficking.
(with AFP inputs)
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Published: 23 Dec 2023, 09:48 am IST
