The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended four individuals, including a contracted translator within the Russian Defense Ministry, on suspicions of involvement in a human trafficking syndicate funneling Indians into the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone. Two recruiters, Arun and Yesudas Junior alias Priyan, were seized from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, while two others, Nijil Jobi Bensam, a contractual employee in the Russian Defense Ministry, and Anthony Michael Elangovan from Mumbai, were detained earlier on April 24.
Bensam and Elangovan are presently in judicial custody, as confirmed by the CBI in a late-night announcement. "Nijil Jobi Bensam, operating within the Russian Defense Ministry as a contractual translator, played a pivotal role in the network facilitating the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian Army," stated a knowledgeable source.
According to the CBI statement, Michael Anthony coordinated with his co-accused Faisal Baba in Dubai and other associates in Russia to manage visa processing in Chennai and arrange air travel for victims heading to Russia.
Arun and Yesudas Junior alias Priyan, arrested on Tuesday, were identified as principal recruiters of Indian nationals from Kerala and Tamil Nadu for the Russian Army, the official added, hinting at possible further arrests.
The CBI unraveled a significant racket involving travel agents enticing Indian youth with opportunities in Russia but ultimately directing them to the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone after seizing their passports, the official explained. The agency's FIR named 17 visa consultancy firms across India, along with their proprietors and agents, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, fraud, and human trafficking.
The accused allegedly trafficked Indian nationals to Russia under false pretenses of lucrative jobs in the Russian military, security, or assistance roles, charging exorbitant amounts. Additionally, they deceived students by securing admissions in dubious private universities in Russia, promising discounted fees and visa extensions, only to leave them vulnerable to local agents' whims.
Upon arrival in Russia, the agents confiscated their passports and coerced them into military service after combat training. The CBI documented 35 instances where individuals were enticed with false promises via social media and local networks, ultimately endangering their lives by deploying them to the Russia-Ukraine war front against their will, resulting in severe injuries for some victims.
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