The Kandahar Hijacking of IC 814: Revealing the Presence of a Swiss Businessman with Control over 90% of the World’s Currency-printing Business on Board
Ever since the release of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, the Vijay Varma-starrer has been the talk of the town. Along with controversies surrounding the series, new angles related to the 1999 hijack have emerged, generating curiosity. One such sensational information from the real hijacking has resurfaced on the Internet – a Swiss businessman, who controlled 90% of the world’s currency-printing business, was onboard the flight.
According to an old report by TIME, Roberto Giori, one of the wealthiest men in Switzerland, was returning from Kathmandu with his companion Cristina Calabresi aboard Flight 814 en route to Delhi. Giori owned the Lausanne-based company De La Rue Giori and controlled 90% of the world’s currency-printing business. Despite his high-profile status, no passengers, including the hijackers, were aware of his presence on the flight.
Giori’s presence on the flight created international pressure on India during the negotiation talks. Switzerland sent a special envoy to Kandahar airport for the release of Giori and two other Swiss nationals from the hijackers. Giori was eventually freed and flown to New Delhi, where he shared his experience from the hijacked flight, highlighting the hijackers’ determination and motives.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack also featured Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, and Patralekhaa in significant roles.
ALSO READ: IC 814- The Kandahar Hijack: Real life survivor couple’s daughter gears up to be a pilot; ‘I wanted to know how to handle…’