1 hour ago
6
ARTICLE AD BOX
Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 06:16 IST
VanDyke was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Kolkata on March 13 along with six Ukrainian nationals.
Matthew Aaron VanDyke was arrested by the NIA on March 13.
An American citizen, Matthew Aaron VanDyke, has become the focus of a significant investigation by Indian security agencies after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him along with six Ukrainian nationals. The case involves allegations of drone warfare training, illegal border crossings, and connections to armed groups operating near India’s northeast.
Who Is Matthew Aaron VanDyk?
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, an American national, identifies himself as a security analyst, war correspondent, and documentary filmmaker.
He first gained international recognition during the Libyan Civil War in 2011, when he joined rebel forces on the ground and was subsequently imprisoned.
Following his experiences in Libya, VanDyke established the organisation — Sons of Liberty International (SOLI) — which offers military training and strategic advice to local armed groups in conflict zones worldwide.
Why Was He Arrested In India?
VanDyke was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Kolkata on March 13 along with six Ukrainian nationals. Three Ukrainian nationals were picked up from Lucknow, and another three from Delhi.
All seven were subsequently produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, where the NIA sought 15 days of custody to investigate the route taken, gather evidence of the alleged conspiracy, and locate other associates.
The court granted 11 days of NIA custody, with all accused due to be produced again on 27 March.
According to sources within the NIA, 14 Ukrainian nationals entered India on tourist visas on different dates. They flew to Guwahati and then travelled to Mizoram without the required documents, before illegally crossing into Myanmar.
The agency said all of them had entered India on tourist visas illegally and were working in close contact with anti-India insurgent groups.
First Published:
March 19, 2026, 06:16 IST
News india Who Is Matthew VanDyke, US National Arrested By NIA Over Links To Anti-India Groups
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
English (US) ·