Kenyan authorities have foiled a sophisticated human trafficking syndicate that lured victims with fake job offers in Russia, only to force them to fight in Ukraine. In a daring rescue operation, police saved 22 Kenyans from an apartment in Athi River, Nairobi, where they were being held “awaiting processing to Russia”.

The victims, desperate for job opportunities, had signed contracts with an unnamed overseas employment agency, committing to pay up to $18,000 for visas, travel, accommodation, and logistics. Some had already paid deposits of $1,500, unaware of the horrific fate that awaited them. Police believe the traffickers planned to send the victims to fight for the Russian military in Ukraine.

Many of those rescued are likely to suffer long-term physical and psychological trauma. Two Kenyans who managed to escape from the conflict zone have already returned, with one currently hospitalized. Authorities warn that some victims may never return, highlighting the gravity of this human trafficking crisis.

One suspect, accused of coordinating the victims’ travel to Russia, has been arrested and remanded for 10 days to allow police to complete their investigation. The authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of the network’s operations and bring those responsible to justice.

This case sheds light on a broader pattern of exploitation, with citizens from Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka also reportedly held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps. Petro Yatsenko, Ukraine’s spokesperson on the treatment of prisoners of war, notes that many African states seem reluctant to take their citizens back, leaving them stranded.

The Kenyan government has pledged to pursue reports of nationals held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Community leaders and activists are calling for greater oversight of overseas employment agencies and stronger public awareness campaigns to educate job seekers about the risks of fraudulent job offers .

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