Peruvian authorities are investigating an alleged scheme in which citizens were reportedly recruited into the Russian military after being lured with promises of well-paid jobs, News.Az reports, citing CNN.
The broadcaster said many of the men were offered employment as cooks, security guards or drivers. However, after arriving in Russia, they allegedly signed military contracts and were subsequently deployed to the combat zone in Ukraine.
“My son asked me not to embarrass him, that I had to believe in him, that he was just going to work as a cook. He left me heartbroken. Something told me that there was something wrong. I said goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him,” Norma, the mother of a 31-year-old man, told CNN.
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Peru’s prosecutor’s office is currently reviewing 36 complaints as part of an investigation into possible human trafficking linked to the alleged recruitment operation.
Lawyers representing families involved in the cases estimate that as many as 800 Peruvian citizens could be serving alongside Russian forces.
According to the report, Peru’s Foreign Ministry has sent at least 247 requests to Russian authorities seeking information about the whereabouts of Peruvian citizens and has called for their safe return.
