India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has claimed busting ‘human trafficking’ networks sending Indians looking for overseas jobs to Russia, for its army fighting in the Ukraine conflict. A CBI press release (7 March, 2024) says 13 locations across India that included Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Mudhrai and Chennai were searched. The Indian nationals were lured to get lucrative jobs but later trained in combat jobs and deployed in the Ukraine war zone. The Hindu, has reported,“Two Russia-based agents involved in the human-trafficking network that pushed Indians into the Ukraine war zone are under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scanner,” officials said on March 8.
ANI adds from New Delhi:
Several Indian nationals have been “duped” to work with the Russian Army, stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, adding that the Indian government has taken a strong stance on the matter, urging the Russian government for the early discharge of such individuals.
The MEA further stated that action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who are involved in recruiting Indian nationals on false pretexts.
Addressing the issue, MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said, “Several Indian Nationals have been duped to work with the Russian Army. We have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises.”
He added that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had recently busted a major human trafficking network after conducting searches in various cities and gathering incriminating evidence.
The spokesperson also confirmed that a case of human trafficking has been registered against multiple agents involved in the illicit recruitment.
“The CBI yesterday busted a major human trafficking network, conducting searches in several cities and collecting incriminating evidence. A case of human trafficking has been registered against several agents,” said Jaiswal.
Expressing concern for the well-being of the affected individuals, Jaiswal appealed to Indian nationals, “to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army”.
He emphasised the inherent danger and risk to life associated with such arrangements.
“We remain committed to the early release of our nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army and their eventual return home,” assured Jaiswal.
He also said that that approximately 20 individuals have reached out to MEA seeking assistance, and efforts are underway to locate and help them.
The MEA is in continuous communication with Russian authorities, pressing for the swift release and discharge of the duped Indian nationals, he also said.
-This is a developing story & will be updated as and when necessary.
