Authorities in Kenya have arrested a suspect accused of coordinating the illegal trafficking of Kenyan nationals to Russia, amid growing concerns over the rising number of citizens being lured abroad under false job promises.
The suspect appeared in court, where a judge authorized a 10-day detention while police complete their investigations. Officials said the arrest followed a coordinated multi-agency operation targeting a criminal network extorting huge sums from desperate job seekers.
Police revealed that 22 Kenyans were found in an apartment in Athi River “awaiting processing to Russia.” The victims reported that the syndicate had promised them employment opportunities in Moscow, only to recruit them for service in the Russian military in Ukraine.
Investigators said victims signed contracts with an unnamed overseas employment agency, committing to pay up to $18,000 for visas, travel, accommodation, and other logistics, with deposits of $1,500 already collected from some individuals. Once recruited, many return home injured, traumatized, or, in some cases, never return at all. Two recent returnees are currently recovering in a city hospital.
The incident comes amid reports of other Kenyans being trafficked abroad under similar circumstances. A young athlete was recently found in Ukraine, claiming he was deceived into joining the Russian army.
A senior Kenyan foreign ministry official confirmed that the government is actively following up reports of nationals reportedly held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s spokesperson, Petro Yatsenko, noted that many African states show little interest in repatriating their citizens held in POW camps.
Authorities have urged Kenyans to exercise caution when considering overseas job offers, warning against unscrupulous recruitment schemes and emphasizing the legal consequences of involvement in human trafficking.
Source – My News Ghana
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