The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has expanded its investigation into a network of individuals accused of illegally entering Myanmar through Mizoram to train armed ethnic groups. Among those arrested were a U.S. citizen, Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, and six Ukrainians, who were detained on March 13 in Delhi and Lucknow airports. Van Dyke was also apprehended at Kolkata airport.
The suspects allegedly crossed into Myanmar without proper authorization and planned to train anti-Indian ethnic groups in weapons handling and drone warfare. They entered India on tourist visas but traveled to Mizoram without the required Protected Area Permit (PAP). The NIA is probing their digital activities to identify other members of the network.
Van Dyke, who identifies as a “media personality” on social media, has posted about covert operations in countries like Venezuela and Myanmar. He allegedly expressed intentions to overthrow authoritarian regimes, including Russia. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) claims that no concrete evidence links the arrested individuals to illegal activities. The embassy protested India’s restrictions on consular access, calling it a violation of international norms.
The suspects were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and remanded to 15 days of NIA custody. Legal representatives for the Ukrainians have not yet received details of the case.
This incident highlights India’s growing focus on monitoring foreign visitors near its borders with Myanmar, following increased concerns about unauthorized crossings. In December 2024, the Union Home Ministry warned states like Mizoram to tighten vigilance after receiving intelligence about foreign nationals entering restricted areas.
The arrests and subsequent investigation underscore the complexities of transnational security threats and India’s efforts to maintain control over its borders.