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As the investigation widens, agencies are now pivoting to dismantle a network that appears far more structured and dangerous than initially suspected
Agencies are tracing how huge consignments of European-manufactured drones were imported through Indian airports and ports, stored in Mizoram, and eventually delivered to Myanmar’s EAGs. (Representational image)
New details have emerged regarding the National Investigation Agency’s strategic roadmap following the arrest of seven foreign nationals—including several Ukrainian war veterans. CNN-News18 has learnt that preliminary questioning has already yielded critical admissions: the accused have reportedly confessed to repeated illegal border crossings and direct contact with Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs) in Myanmar.
As the investigation widens, agencies are now pivoting to dismantle a network that appears far more structured and dangerous than initially suspected.
A primary concern for intelligence agencies is the “ghost” operatives. There is a growing fear that several other foreign trainers have successfully entered India and remain at large, possibly continuing to coordinate cross-border movements.
Investigators are now working to map the precise command structure:
- Who coordinated the module? Identifying the hierarchy between the trainers and their handlers.
- The Matthew VanDyke Link: Verifying the extent of his leadership and the location of other team members.
- The Indian Accomplices: Identifying the local guides, transport providers, and safe-house operators in Mizoram who allowed the group to operate without the mandatory Restricted Area Permits (RAPs).
The NIA is laser-focused on the financial backbone of the operation. Moving elite trainers across continents, purchasing high-end European drones, and maintaining jungle training camps requires massive capital.
- The Funding Source: Investigators are probing whether the funds originated from the non-profit Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), private donors, or a specific foreign state or organisation.
- The Logistics Pipeline: Agencies are tracing how huge consignments of European-manufactured drones were imported through Indian airports and ports, stored in Mizoram, and eventually delivered to Myanmar’s EAGs.
The most damning evidence is expected to come from the digital trail. Multiple seized smartphones have been sent to CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) for forensic extraction. Agencies are specifically looking for:
- Maps of illegal border crossing points.
- Instructional videos and photos of drone assembly and jamming sessions.
- Encrypted chat groups featuring Indian or foreign handlers.
The most critical question facing the NIA is whether this operation was purely intended to assist rebels fighting the Myanmar junta or if there was a secondary, more sinister plan to destabilise Northeast India.
- The Kuki-Zo Connection: Agencies are investigating direct or indirect links between the trained EAGs and banned Indian groups, specifically Kuki-Zo factions in Manipur, as well as ULFA and NSCN.
- Technology Spillover: There is significant concern that the advanced drone and jamming technology taught to Myanmar rebels will “spill over” to anti-India groups.
- Foreign Intelligence Links: The investigation is scanning for any fingerprints left by foreign intelligence agencies—including those from China, Pakistan, or Western nations—to determine if India’s Northeast is being used as a pawn in a larger “grey zone” conflict.
The strength of the prosecution will now depend on proving that the accused had “intentional knowledge” that their technology and training would facilitate anti-India activities. As the digital data is decrypted, the scale of this “VanDyke Module” is expected to reveal just how vulnerable the porous borders of Mizoram have become to high-tech foreign intervention.
March 19, 2026, 3:58 PM IST
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