NIA Seeks Extended Probe in Pan-India and Trans-National Conspiracy Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested an extension from 90 to 180 days to probe a complex conspiracy involving six Ukrainians and one US national under the UAPA. The agency cites the need to unveil broader links and conduct detailed financial investigations to complete the case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a formal request for additional time to investigate a high-stakes case involving six Ukrainian nationals and an American citizen, citing the need to extend the investigation period from the standard 90 days to 180 days. The agency argues the complexity of the case, which involves a criminal conspiracy with both domestic and international connections, necessitates more time for a comprehensive investigation.

With the current 90-day deadline approaching, the accused individuals, Matthew Aaron Van Dyke from the United States and six Ukrainians, including Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor, were apprehended at various airports across India on March 13. A notice regarding the extension request has already been served to the defendants. Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma initially heard the arguments and scheduled a continuation for Thursday.

Representing the NIA, Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi and Amit Rohila highlighted the intricate nature of the conspiracy. Advocates Nitin Saluja, Rohit Dandriyal, and Rohit Gour represented the Ukrainian and US respondents, who are linked to a scheme that purportedly spans multiple nations. The NIA's application underscores the investigation's critical stage, given the seizure of multiple electronic devices and the discovery of financial networks that require further analysis. Concerns were also raised about potential flight risks if the accused were granted bail.