International Terror Network Busted in India, Seven Foreign Nationals Arrested
Central investigative agencies have successfully dismantled an international terrorist network, resulting in the arrest of seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainians and one American. The group is alleged to have been involved in plotting attacks targeting India while simultaneously providing military drone capabilities to anti-junta insurgents in Myanmar's Chin state.
Arrests and Charges Under UAPA
On March 13, Bureau of Immigration officials at Lucknow airport detained three Ukrainian war veterans: Petro Hurba, Taras Slyviak, and Ivan Sukmanovskyi. These individuals were subsequently handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Investigators revealed on Tuesday that the alleged network was led by US national Mathew Aron Van Dyke, who was arrested at Kolkata airport. Additionally, three more Ukrainians—Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor—were recently apprehended in Delhi. All seven accused are currently in NIA custody as authorities expand the probe into cross-border links, supply chains, and potential threats to Indian security.
Court Proceedings and National Security Concerns
On Monday, additional sessions judge Prashant Sharma at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi remanded the group to 11-day police custody. The court emphasized that the allegations have a direct bearing on "national security and interests of India," asserting that interrogation in custody is necessary at this stage of the investigation.
Probe Details and Alleged Activities
According to investigation details, the Lucknow detainees flew from the UAE to India on tourist visas in December 2025. They traveled to Mizoram without obtaining mandatory restricted area permits and allegedly crossed into Myanmar, where they established contact with armed groups hostile to India.
Investigators stated that the suspects traveled by bus from Guwahati to Lucknow and checked into a hotel near the airport hours before their planned departure. The hotel owner reported that the trio claimed to be tourists, with one identifying himself as a chef, but they avoided questions about their prior movements. A source highlighted that "timely submission of Form C by the hotel played a crucial role in tracking them."
The group is accused of sourcing and moving drone consignments from Europe into India and onward to Myanmar, where they trained ethnic insurgents engaged in conflict with the junta. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma had earlier informed the state assembly that intelligence inputs suggested the presence of Ukrainian war veterans in Chin state providing training to rebel outfits.
Background of the Accused
Mathew Aron Van Dyke, the alleged leader, describes himself online as the founder of a security consulting firm and a filmmaker. He has claimed involvement in conflicts in Libya and Ukraine, as well as covert operations in Venezuela. The investigation continues to uncover further details about the network's operations and connections.
