Peru’s public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into an alleged human trafficking network that recruited Peruvian citizens through deceptive job offers to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine.
The investigation focuses on charges of human trafficking and aggravated human trafficking, according to a statement released by the prosecutor’s office on Friday.
Peruvian authorities claim individuals were promised roles as security agents and other positions in Russia with the promise of financial compensation.
Lawyer Percy Salinas, representing families of those caught in the conflict, told the local TV channel N that approximately 600 Peruvians have been lured to fight for Russia since last October.
Salinas also reported that at least 13 Peruvians have died in the war in Ukraine so far, according to the AFP news agency.
Recruits were reportedly offered monthly salaries ranging between $2,000 and $3,000, Salinas noted.
Diplomatic friction
The Russian embassy in Lima acknowledged that Peruvian citizens had signed contracts to join the Russian armed forces.
The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested clarification from the Russian embassy regarding the specific location and well-being of these citizens.
The ministry noted that Peruvian citizens must obtain official permission from the Foreign Ministry before serving in any foreign military.
On Thursday, families of victims protested outside the ministry in Lima, demanding the repatriation of their loved ones.
Peru is the latest country to file complaints against Russia regarding the deceptive recruitment of foreign nationals for the war effort.
Ukrainian estimates from February suggested that more than 1,780 citizens from 36 African nations are also believed to be fighting alongside Russian forces.
Russia has previously acknowledged the enlistment of North Korean soldiers, with thousands estimated to have been killed or wounded under a military pact between Moscow and Pyongyang.
