Peru Investigates Human Trafficking of Citizens Recruited for Russia’s War

Prosecutors in Lima are investigating a scheme that lured hundreds of Peruvians with promises of high-paying jobs in Russia, only to force them into frontline combat in Ukraine. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Peruvian Army soldiers patrol the Santa Rosa Island, in the Loreto department, Peru on August 7, 2025. (Photo by Jose CERPA / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The Attorney General’s Office of Peru has launched an investigation into a human trafficking network targeting the country’s citizens for recruitment into the Russian military, DW reported. The probe follows reports that hundreds of Peruvians – including former police officers and soldiers –were lured online by promises of well-paid employment in Russia, with monthly salaries ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Upon arrival in Russia, many of these recruits were allegedly coerced into participating in combat operations against Ukraine. Percy Salinas, a lawyer representing the families of the victims, stated that approximately 600 Peruvians may have departed for Russia since October 2025. To date, at least 13 Peruvian nationals are confirmed to have been killed in the conflict. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested information from the Russian Embassy regarding the whereabouts of its citizens. While the Russian diplomatic mission in Lima confirmed that some Peruvians had signed military contracts, it maintained that they did so voluntarily and legally. The case in Peru reflects a broader global pattern of Russian recruitment efforts identified by Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR). According to HUR, Russia has recruited nearly 3,000 citizens from across Africa – including Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria – often deploying them as assault troops with minimal training. Intercepted communications released by HUR suggest that Russian commanders have used physical violence and intimidation to force reluctant foreign recruits into high-risk operations. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky: Russia Launched 1,600 Drones and 1,100 Guided Bombs This Week The president warned that Moscow is attempting to overwhelm air defenses with massive strikes, citing today’s deadly drone attack on a Kherson minibus as part of a “human safari.” Additionally, the US State Department has estimated that between 1,000 and 5,000 Cuban nationals are currently serving in the Russian armed forces, characterizing them as “pawns” in the ongoing war. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.