Kenyan authorities have rescued over 20 individuals from a suspected human trafficking ring that had been luring citizens with false job offers in Russia, only to send them to fight in Ukraine.
The operation, which took place on September 27, 2027, followed a targeted intelligence-led raid on a residential apartment on the outskirts of Nairobi, where law enforcement officials seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and official job offer letters.
Police reported that the victims, who had been promised jobs in Russia, were allegedly being processed to join the Russian military forces in Ukraine.
The authorities arrested one suspect accused of orchestrating the trafficking, specifically coordinating the travel of the victims to Russia in the coming months.
The suspect, who appeared in court on Wednesday, has been remanded for 10 days while investigations continue.
“This syndicate has been exploiting desperate job seekers by charging them up to $18,000 for fake job opportunities in Russia,” said a police spokesperson.
The authorities revealed that many of the victims had already paid substantial amounts—ranging from $1,500 (Sh129,000) in deposits—before being tricked into the dangerous journey.
The victims were found in a residential apartment in the Athi River area, awaiting final arrangements for their departure.
The authorities described the trafficking network as "mysterious," highlighting how it preyed on vulnerable Kenyans seeking work abroad.
“These individuals were told they would find employment in Moscow, but their fate was to fight in the Russian military,” the spokesperson added.
This case follows a disturbing trend of Kenyans being trafficked abroad under false pretenses, with growing concerns over the rise of such criminal networks.
A recent incident saw a young Kenyan athlete captured in Ukraine, claiming he was tricked into joining the Russian army. Many of the victims, police said, return home either injured, traumatized, or, in the worst cases, never return at all.
Reports also indicate that two Kenyans who had previously been trafficked have recently returned home, one of whom is now receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
The Kenyan government is closely monitoring these trafficking operations, with a senior foreign ministry official confirming that they are investigating reports of Kenyans being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
The troubling revelation has sparked renewed calls for stronger action against human trafficking, particularly targeting vulnerable Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
Internationally, other African nationals, including citizens of Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka are reported to be in similar situations, some held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
However, Ukrainian officials have noted that many African countries show little interest in repatriating their citizens who have become prisoners of war.