The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against one American and six Ukrainian nationals for illegal entry and movement in India. While the current charges address violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act to meet a mandatory legal deadline, the agency continues to investigate allegations that the group provided drone warfare training to armed factions in Myanmar. The broader probe under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act remains active.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a formal chargesheet on September 8, 2026, against seven foreign nationals accused of illegal entry and movement within India. The group includes one American citizen, Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, and six Ukrainian nationals: Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor.
The agency initiated this legal filing under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. This move was prompted by the expiration of a mandatory 180-day statutory custody period, which required the NIA to present a chargesheet in court to continue legal proceedings. The individuals were initially arrested in March 2026 at various airports across the country.
While the current charges focus on immigration violations, the NIA has clarified that the primary investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) remains ongoing. The agency has not dropped the more serious allegations but has deferred them for a potential supplementary chargesheet. This allows investigators more time to gather evidence while keeping the accused in custody under the current legal framework.
Background of the Investigation
The case centers on intelligence gathered regarding the group’s activities in late 2025. Investigators allege that the seven individuals entered India in December 2025 and traveled to Mizoram without the necessary permits. From there, they reportedly crossed the border into Myanmar to operate out of the Victoria Camp. Intelligence reports suggest the group provided specialized training on drone assembly, jamming technologies, and field operations to members of ethnic armed groups, specifically the Chin National Front and the Kachin Independence Army.
Security Status and Next Steps
As of September 10, 2026, the NIA has stated that there is no confirmed evidence of an anti-India plot or direct collaboration between the group and domestic insurgent factions. The investigation remains focused on mapping the network's connections and understanding the financial and logistical support behind these activities. The agency is continuing to analyze seized electronic data and communication hardware to determine the full extent of the group’s operations.
For those monitoring the case, the next significant development will be the court proceedings scheduled for October 1, 2026. The scope of future charges will depend on whether investigators can establish links to terror-related activities, which would necessitate the formal application of UAPA provisions in a subsequent supplementary filing.