NIA Detains Suspect Linked to US Human Trafficking via ‘Donkey Route’
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Synopsis
On March 30, the NIA reported the arrest of a suspect involved in human trafficking to the US through the ‘donkey route’. The victim was deported to India earlier this month and had filed a complaint against the accused.
Key Takeaways
- NIA arrests key suspect in human trafficking case.
- Victim deported to India after illegal immigration attempt.
- Suspect used ‘donkey route’ for illegal transfer.
- Victim paid a substantial fee for immigration services.
- Case transitioned from Punjab Police to NIA.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced on Sunday the apprehension of a principal suspect linked to the illegal trafficking of a victim to the US via the ‘donkey route’.
The agency confirmed that the victim was sent back to India earlier this month.
“Gagandeep Singh @ Goldie from Tilak Nagar, New Delhi, was arrested in the national capital concerning case RC-04/2025/NIA/DLI, where the victim, originally from Tarn Taran district in Punjab, was trafficked to the US through the notorious donkey route in December 2024,” stated the agency.
Investigations by the NIA have disclosed that Goldie lacked any legal license or registration to facilitate overseas travel, instead employing the donkey route through Spain, Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico.
“Associates of Goldie subjected the victim to physical abuse and exploitation, in addition to seizing the dollars he was carrying during the difficult journey,” the NIA's findings indicated.
The central agency reported that the victim had paid approximately Rs 45 lakh to the accused for the illegal immigration process.
“The victim was deported back to India by US authorities on February 15 and subsequently lodged a complaint against the accused agent,” stated the NIA.
It was also noted that the case was initially registered by the Punjab Police and was later transferred to the NIA on March 13.
