In Kenya, police have rescued over 20 individuals believed to be victims of a human trafficking operation that allegedly attracted them with job offers in Russia, with the intent to send them to fight in Ukraine. This operation followed a targeted raid on an apartment located on the outskirts of Nairobi, where officers confiscated recruitment materials, travel documents, and job offer letters.
One individual has been arrested on charges of coordinating the travel of these victims to Russia in September and October. He has been taken to court, where he has been granted a 10-day detention period to facilitate ongoing police investigations.
Concerns regarding the trafficking of Kenyans abroad under the guise of job opportunities have been increasing. A recent incident involved a young Kenyan athlete who reported being misled into joining the Russian army. The recent arrests were part of a multi-agency operation aimed at dismantling the criminal network that has reportedly exploited desperate job seekers for significant sums of money.
The 22 Kenyans found in a residential apartment in Athi River were reportedly “awaiting processing to Russia.” Police have indicated that a “mysterious trafficking syndicate” is deceiving individuals with job promises in Moscow, with plans for them to be sent to fight for the Russian military.
Victims reported signing contracts with an unnamed overseas employment agency, committing to pay costs of up to $18,000 for visas and logistics, with some having already provided deposits of $1,500. There are reports of returning victims experiencing severe injuries and trauma, with one currently hospitalized.
Additionally, a senior official from the foreign ministry has stated that the government is investigating reports of Kenyans being trafficked to Russia and potentially held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Other nationals from different countries, including Somalia and Sri Lanka, are also reportedly being held in POW camps in Ukraine, raising questions about the willingness of various African nations to facilitate their return.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxqjqjln1ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss