US Man Held Near Nepal Border Without Passport, Claims Navy Past

A 36-year-old man claiming to be a United States citizen was arrested by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) while allegedly attempting to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents from the Sonauli border in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh. The man identified himself as Jordan Brown, claiming to be a resident of California and a former US Navy officer. He was intercepted during a routine patrol near border pillar number 516 in the Mainihwa area under the jurisdiction of the Sonauli police station on Sunday. Authorities said he was unable to produce a passport, visa or any other valid identity document at the time of his arrest.

According to the Additional Superintendent of Police, Maharajganj, Brown allegedly attempted to flee after being signalled to stop by personnel of the 22nd Battalion of the SSB but was quickly apprehended. During preliminary questioning, he claimed that he had travelled to Thailand on a tourist visa, where he lost his passport. He further told investigators that he later reached Sri Lanka by sea before entering India through a maritime route on November 2, 2025. Officials said his claims are currently being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said Brown had allegedly been staying in Goa since entering India and had remained in the country for nearly seven months without valid travel documents. Investigators further stated that he travelled from Goa to Bengaluru before making his way to the Sonauli border in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities believe he intended to cross into Nepal when he was intercepted by border security personnel. Officials have not disclosed the purpose of his proposed journey into Nepal.

Also Read: Ex-UP DGP, Five Others Booked After Retired Teacher's Death in Lalitpur

During a search of Brown's belongings, security personnel recovered ₹31,460 in cash and two mobile phones. However, no passport, visa or other official travel documents were found in his possession. Following initial questioning by the SSB and other security agencies, he was handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Police for further legal proceedings. Assistant Commandant Priya Yadav of the SSB confirmed that the accused was transferred to the Sonauli police after the preliminary inquiry.

Police have registered a case against Brown under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act for allegedly entering and remaining in India without valid documents. Authorities are now working to verify his identity, nationality and the claims he made during interrogation, including his assertion that he previously served in the US Navy. Officials have not yet confirmed the authenticity of any of the information provided by the accused.

In a separate development highlighted by investigators, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is continuing its probe into a case involving five Ukrainian nationals and one US citizen accused of providing terrorist and combat training to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. The accused allegedly entered India on tourist visas before travelling through Mizoram into Myanmar, where they are suspected of training armed groups in drone warfare and other military technologies. They were produced before the Patiala House Court earlier this month and remain in judicial custody as the investigation continues.

Also Read: Mayawati Accuses Opposition Parties Of Misleading Dalits Ahead Of Uttar Pradesh Elections