NIA Seeks Voice Samples for Foreign Nationals in Drone Training Case

Aizawl: The National Investigation Agency has petitioned a special court in Delhi to collect voice samples from seven foreign nationals. The group, which includes one US citizen and six Ukrainian nationals, faces allegations of involvement in a training module linked to Myanmar. The agency filed the request with Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma at the Patiala House Courts under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Authorities registered the case on March 13, 2026, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Investigators allege that the accused entered India on tourist visas before traveling to Mizoram and crossing into Myanmar. Once there, they reportedly provided training in drone warfare, assembly, and jamming technology to groups fighting the Myanmar military regime.

The NIA is currently examining electronic devices seized during the investigation and tracing financial transactions. The agency has also requested an extension of the investigation period, arguing that the case involves a "deep-rooted criminal conspiracy" with pan-India and transnational linkages. Prosecutors contend that releasing the accused could allow them to flee or interfere with the ongoing probe.

Defense counsel accepted the court notices and will file formal replies at the next hearing scheduled for July 2. The arrested individuals include US citizen Matthew Aaron Van Dyke along with Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor. All seven remain in judicial custody as the investigation continues.