Authorities verify claims of former military service as investigation continues into undocumented entry and attempted border crossing
A 36-year-old American citizen has been detained near the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh after allegedly attempting to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents, prompting an investigation by Indian security agencies.
Jordan Brown, a resident of California, was intercepted by personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) near the Sonauli border in Maharajganj district during routine border checks. Officials said he was unable to produce a passport or any other valid travel documents and was later handed over to the local police. Reports said Brown briefly attempted to flee before being apprehended.
During questioning, Brown claimed he had previously served in the US Navy and US Special Forces for six years after studying at the University of California. However, police have said these claims have not yet been independently verified.
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According to investigators, Brown told officials he had lost his passport while travelling in Thailand
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He said he later travelled by sea to Sri Lanka before entering India, where he had reportedly been living in Goa since late last year
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He allegedly intended to travel to Nepal to meet a Nepalese acquaintance he had met while staying in Goa
Brown also told authorities that he had visited nearly 70 countries. Separate media reports claimed he is married to an Indian yoga instructor from Uttarakhand whom he met in Italy in 2021, although officials have not confirmed the details.
Police recovered cash, mobile phones and other personal belongings during the search. Authorities are continuing to verify Brown’s identity, travel history and statements while legal proceedings under immigration and foreigner-related laws are underway. Officials have not disclosed any evidence linking the case to criminal or security-related activities beyond the alleged immigration violations.
