In a recent investigation, a Crime Investigation Department (CID) official sheds light on the prevalent ‘donkey route,’ the most favored path for Indians seeking illegal entry into the United States. The intricate journey involves travel to Dubai, onward to Nicaragua, and finally crossing the American border from Mexico, with individuals reportedly paying hefty sums ranging from ₹60-70 lakhs.
The CID Crime branch, probing 66 passengers on a Nicaragua-bound flight that was redirected mid-route from France, uncovered the details of this illicit pathway. Passengers were interrogated and their statements recorded, revealing a pattern where individuals first traveled to Dubai, then to Mexico, eventually breaching the American border.
According to CID officials, more than 60 passengers from Gujarat, onboard the Nicaragua-bound plane, had agreed to pay ₹60 lakhs to ₹80 lakhs to immigration agents. These agents, promising illegal entry into the US after reaching a Latin American country, exploited vulnerable individuals seeking a chance at a new life.
‘Donkey Route’ Explained
The ‘Donkey Route’ or ‘dunki’ is an illegal method employed by individuals to enter countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The recent incident involving the Nicaragua-bound flight is a stark example of the ‘Donkey Route.’ Indian authorities tracked down the 66 passengers who had boarded the aircraft in Dubai, originating from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi between December 10 and 20.
The Airbus A340, en route to Nicaragua with 303 passengers, including 260 Indians, faced a four-day grounding in France over suspected human trafficking. While the flight had landed in Mumbai on December 26, it was forced to return from France, prompting a detailed investigation into the illegal immigration network.
The CID investigation has exposed the names and contact details of nearly 15 agents involved in the illegal human trafficking network. The findings underscore the risks and financial transactions associated with pursuing the ‘Donkey Route.’ Authorities suggest a need for heightened vigilance and awareness to curb such activities.
