CBI arrests 4 for trafficking Indian nationals for Russian Army

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained four people in connection with a case involving the trafficking of Indian nationals into combat capacities in the Russian army. Two of the accused, Arun and Yesudas Junior, were apprehended in Kerala on March 6 of this year, while the other two, Nijil Jobi Bensam and Anthony Michael Elangovan, were apprehended in Mumbai, reported ANI.

According to the CBI, investigations are ongoing against other members of this multinational human trafficking network. On March 6, 2024, the CIA discovered a huge human trafficking ring that operated throughout India and targeted gullible adolescents with promises of lucrative opportunities abroad. These traffickers used social media sites like YouTube and local contacts or agencies to attract Indian nationals with high-paying jobs in Russia, the report added.

Per the news agency report, the CBI's press release stated that trafficked Indian citizens were coerced into combat duties and deployed against their will in the Russia-Ukraine War Zone, putting their lives at risk. Some victims were severely injured in the battle zone. Charges of human trafficking have been filed against private Visa Consultancy Firms and agents who trafficked Indian citizens to Russia under the premise of greater job possibilities.

"Thereafter, the trafficked Indian Nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in the Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their wishes, thus, putting their lives in grave danger. It has been ascertained that some of the victims also got grievously injured in the war zone. A case of human trafficking was registered against private Visa Consultancy Firms and agents who were involved in the trafficking of Indian Nationals to Russia under the guise of better employment and high-paying jobs. The human trafficking network of these agents is spread over several States across the country and beyond," the CBI's press statement read, per ANI report.

Nijil Jobi Bensam, a key member of the trafficking network, worked in Russia as a translator and helped recruit Indian nationals into the Russian Army. Michael Anthony helped his co-accused, Faisal Baba, who lives in Dubai, and others in Russia by assisting with visa processing in Chennai and booking flights for victims to fly to Russia. Arun and Yesudas Junior were recognised as the primary recruiters of Indian citizens from Kerala and Tamil Nadu for the Russian army.