Investigators are reconstructing the journey to and through India, including that of Jordan Brown to Goa – the 36-year-old US citizen who was arrested while allegedly trying to cross into Nepal from Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh on July 11.
Brown, a California resident, was arrested late on July 11 during a joint operation by the 22nd Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Battalion and Sunauli Police after he allegedly attempted to cross into Nepal via an unauthorized route in Maharajganj district without valid travel documents, HT had earlier reported.
Officials mentioned in the previous report said that Brown told investigators that he had met a Nepali national during his six-week stay in Goa and was traveling to Sunauli to meet him before crossing into Nepal. However, Brough failed to provide the man’s full name, address or contact details. Brown also reportedly claimed that his passport was left with an acquaintance in Bengaluru, Karnataka, but failed to provide the person’s full identity or contact details.
Brown’s travel history prior to his arrest includes his arrival from Bali, Indonesia, a six-week stay in Goa, and subsequent travel to Sunauli, a major open border crossing town in Maharajganj district in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, which connects India and Nepal.
A mystery surrounds Brown’s “mission.”
Brown’s movement, itinerary and purpose of travel are being examined due to his inability to identify the other individuals involved, investigators said, adding that the scrutiny conducted by investigators.
Brown’s journey through India is now being reconstructed, examining his digital fingerprint and checking whether anyone helped him reach the border.
CIA and immigration agencies are verifying Brown’s travel history, the location of his passport and the identities of people he claimed to have met, officials said.
A Chinese passport found among his belongings and his claim to have served in the US Navy and Special Forces are also being investigated. Officials stressed that both allegations are being independently verified and that no suspicious links have been proven so far beyond the alleged immigration violation.
The 36-year-old US citizen arrived in India from Bali about eight weeks ago, spent nearly six weeks in Goa and later traveled to Sunauli, officials said. He also claimed to have visited nearly 70 countries.
Brown was intercepted near border pillar No. 516 while trying to enter Nepal without valid travel documents. Officials claimed he tried to flee when challenged but was arrested after a short chase, according to an earlier HT report.
After being interrogated at the SSB camp, Brown was handed over to the Sunoli police, which registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. A local court later remanded him in judicial custody.
