Russia dupes foreigners for war in Ukraine: Human trafficking network exposed in India
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
A major human trafficking network has been uncovered in India, where individuals were offered to travel to Russia to work as "assistants" in the military but were subsequently coerced into joining the war against Ukraine, according to Reuters.
The Central Bureau of Investigation of India (CBI) reports that approximately 35 Indian citizens were sent to Russia through this scheme. However, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) previously only acknowledged about 20 men recruited by Russians.
It is also reported that at least two men who were later recruited for the war against Ukraine have died on the front lines. The Indian Embassy in Russia recently confirmed one of these deaths.
"The trafficked Indian nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their wishes," says the CBI.
Human traffickers operating in several states of India lured people through social media and local agents.
During raids in various locations, including New Delhi and Mumbai, law enforcement seized 50 million rupees ($605,000), as well as documents and electronic records. Some of the suspects were detained for further questioning.
Russia recruiting Indian citizens for war
In late February 2023, India approached the Russian Federation requesting the early release of some of its citizens working with the Russian military in "support jobs." This statement from the MEA of India came after a local news agency reported that around 100 Indians were hired on contracts lasting at least a year. Citizens from many countries were seeking employment in the Russian military, including neighboring Nepal.
Among them, the Indian Embassy in Russia recently acknowledged for the first time the death of a citizen, Shri Mohammed Asfan, recruited for the war against Ukraine.
