THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CBI is pursuing a case against 19 people including three Malayalis, who recruited over ten Malayalis to join a Russian mercenary army. They were smuggled to Russia under false pretenses, lured with promises of other jobs and paid 3 lakh rupees each for visas. These people were then coerced into fighting against Ukraine. The accused include Domiraj (Tommy) at Tina Cottage near Thumba Fathima Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Robert Arulapan (Robo) at Thaivilakam Street, Thiruvananthapuram and Sajin Dixon at Puthanukurithi Thaivilakam Street, Thiruvananthapuram. The CBI suspects more individuals from Kerala may be involved, some of whom may already be in custody.

The charges include sections 120(b), 420 and 370 of the IPC for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and human trafficking. The CBI conducted raids on agencies in Thiruvananthapuram and collected information on the smugglers operating in Russia. The central government is actively working to repatriate these individuals. Similar recruitment activities have also been observed in other states.

The recruits were promised various positions within the Russian government, such as office jobs, helpers and security officers, through social media. They were guaranteed Russian citizenship after one year, offered a monthly salary of 1.95 lakh rupees and 50,000 rupees in allowances. Recruitment procedures included medical examinations, with visas promised within 5 days upon payment.

The recruits were contracted for one year and traveled directly from Delhi to Moscow or via Sharjah. Upon arrival in Russia, their passports were confiscated and after receiving weapons training, they were forced to wear Russian army uniforms and sent to the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

Tragically, two Indians were killed in a missile attack, and many others were seriously injured. CBI has identified 35 combatants, while others are still undergoing weapons training. CBI is collaborating with Interpol to repatriate the Indian nationals. Additionally, individuals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were also recruited. Russia has been hiring youths following the significant casualties incurred since the war began on February 24, 2022.

Recruitment was orchestrated by Santosh from Tamil Nadu, now in Russia, along with Mohiuddin Chippa from Rajasthan and Christina from Russia, all of whom are accused. Agents of recruiting agencies in Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Thane were involved in human trafficking including in Kerala.