NEW DELHI : American or US Mercenary and 6 Ukrainians arrested by the NIA have triggered a massive national security alert across India. In a coordinated, cinematic sting operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) intercepted these foreign nationals at three major airports—Kolkata, Delhi, and Lucknow. The arrests of US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and his six Ukrainian associates have unmasked a sophisticated drone warfare conspiracy targeting India’s sensitive border regions.
The NIA’s precision strike occurred on Friday, March 13, 2026. While VanDyke was apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration at Kolkata airport, the Ukrainian nationals—Petro Hurba, Taras Slyviak, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Marian Stefankiv, Maksim Honcharuk, and Viktor Kaminskyi—were detained in Delhi and Lucknow. On March 16, a Special NIA Court at Patiala House remanded all seven to 11 days of NIA custody under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Jungle Trail: Illegal Entry into Mizoram and Myanmar
Investigators reveal that the group entered India on standard tourist visas before embarking on a covert mission. They reportedly traveled to Mizoram without the mandatory Restricted Area Permit (RAP). From there, they allegedly crossed the border illegally into Myanmar.
According to the NIA’s FIR, the foreigners established direct contact with Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs). These groups are known to collaborate with proscribed Indian insurgent organizations. Consequently, the training provided by this cell directly threatens India’s internal stability. The NIA is currently hunting for eight more Ukrainian nationals believed to be part of this 15-member mercenary unit.
Modern Warfare: Drones, Jamming, and Tactical Training
The most chilling aspect of this case involves the transfer of advanced military technology. The NIA alleges that the group:
- Imported high-tech drones from Europe via Indian routes.
- Provided hands-on training in drone assembly and operations.
- Taught insurgents electronic jamming technology to evade surveillance.
- Abetted terrorists seen carrying AK-47 rifles in conflict zones.
“The accused admitted to conducting training for EAGs on multiple occasions,” an official source stated. These drones were specifically meant to target the Myanmar Junta, but their proximity to the Indian border has put New Delhi on high alert.
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Who is Matthew VanDyke? A Profile in Conflict
The 46-year-old Baltimore native is a polarizing figure in global warfare. VanDyke first gained fame as a “freedom fighter” during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, where he was held as a prisoner of war. Since then, he has operated in Iraq, Syria, and most recently, Ukraine.
As the founder of Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), VanDyke claims to provide “free military consulting” to oppressed groups. However, Indian authorities view his latest activities as a blatant violation of sovereignty. Critics have long debated his ties to Western intelligence, though VanDyke consistently denies being a CIA asset.
A Diplomatic Firestorm Erupts
The arrests have already sparked a diplomatic standoff. The Ukrainian government has lodged a formal protest, demanding immediate consular access and the release of its citizens. Meanwhile, the US Embassy remains “aware” of the situation. Despite the pressure, the NIA continues to analyze seized mobile devices to unearth the group’s funding sources and local accomplices.