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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.
During investigations, officials, while scanning his social media footage and mobile phone, found that VanDyke had previously been linked to numerous military conflicts and operations abroad. The investigators are trying to ascertain how he managed to reach the northeast and what his aim was.
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. He reportedly embarked on a motorcycle journey across North Africa and the Middle East after completing university. During this period, he forged a friendship with the people of Libya. When the revolution erupted there, he joined the rebel fighters.
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.
Reportedly, the American national was a mercenary military instructor with reported former associations with the US military. He served in Iraq, among other combat zones.
It has been learnt that he also provided “special forces-style” training that encompasses disciplines such as guerrilla warfare, tactical operations, drone usage, and modern warfare techniques, NDTV reported.
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.
March 19, 2026, 06:16 IST
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