British Citizen Aditya Verma Appears in Spanish Court in Connection with Plane-Bomb Hoax
Aditya Verma, a British citizen, is being tried in Spain for causing public disorder after falsely claiming on Snapchat that he planned to bomb a plane, saying he was a member of the Taliban.
Verma made this comment while traveling to Menorca in July 2022. He clarified in a Madrid court that he did not intend to alarm anyone or cause harm.
If convicted, Verma could be fined for the costs incurred when the Spanish Air Force dispatched jets after UK security services alerted Spanish authorities about the message, which was detected at Gatwick Airport.
The jets escorted Verma's easyJet flight until it safely landed and was thoroughly searched in Menorca.
Verma, 18 at the time, was detained for two days, later released on bail, and questioned by MI5 and MI6 upon his return to the UK.
In court, the economics student at Bath University explained the message was a humorous remark meant for friends, referencing a running joke about his appearance. When he saw the fighter jets, he assumed it was a military drill related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Investigators found no links to extremism on Verma's phone, although he had searched topics related to regional conflicts. He is not facing terrorism charges but might be fined up to €22,500, with the Spanish defence ministry seeking an additional €95,000. The verdict is expected soon.
If convicted, Verma could be fined for the costs incurred when the Spanish Air Force dispatched jets after UK security services alerted Spanish authorities about the message, which was detected at Gatwick Airport.
The jets escorted Verma's easyJet flight until it safely landed and was thoroughly searched in Menorca.
Verma, 18 at the time, was detained for two days, later released on bail, and questioned by MI5 and MI6 upon his return to the UK.
In court, the economics student at Bath University explained the message was a humorous remark meant for friends, referencing a running joke about his appearance. When he saw the fighter jets, he assumed it was a military drill related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Investigators found no links to extremism on Verma's phone, although he had searched topics related to regional conflicts. He is not facing terrorism charges but might be fined up to €22,500, with the Spanish defence ministry seeking an additional €95,000. The verdict is expected soon.
