New Delhi, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Delhi court on Friday granted default bail to US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke in a case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) over allegations of providing weapons and drone-related training to Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups.
The Special NIA Court at the Rouse Avenue Court Complex granted VanDyke default bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and one surety of the same amount.
The court directed VanDyke to remain in Delhi and make himself available to the Investigating Officer whenever required.
VanDyke had sought default bail citing a delay in completing the investigation and filing the chargesheet within the stipulated period.
The court also observed that the six Ukrainian nationals arrested in the same case could seek default bail on similar grounds if they file appropriate applications.
The NIA arrested VanDyke along with six Ukrainian nationals in March in connection with an alleged international network involved in providing weapons and drone-related training to insurgent groups operating across the India-Myanmar border.
The Ukrainian nationals were identified as Petro Hurba, Taras Slyviak, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Marian Stefankiv, Maksim Honcharuk and Viktor Kaminskyi.
According to the NIA, the accused entered India on tourist visas and travelled towards the northeastern region before allegedly crossing into Myanmar.
The agency has alleged that the accused facilitated the procurement and movement of drones and electronic jamming equipment from Europe for use in training modules.
The investigation, according to the NIA, also indicated the involvement of a wider international network comprising foreign nationals and Myanmar-based groups. The agency has been probing the broader network, including possible local facilitators and international links.
Earlier, citing security concerns, the Patiala House Court had permitted the NIA to conduct proceedings at its headquarters. It directed that subsequent hearings be held there, with the accused being produced before the presiding judge.
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