Another Arrest Made in Kerala Trafficking Case Linked to Russian Army
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Synopsis
On January 19, police in Thiruvananthapuram reported the arrest of Sibi P.O., furthering the investigation into the trafficking of Keralites to the Russian Army. This follows previous arrests and highlights the dangers of recruitment under false pretenses.
Key Takeaways
- Another arrest made related to trafficking of Keralites.
- Recruiters lured individuals with fake job offers.
- Victims forced into military service upon arrival in Russia.
- Ongoing investigation into the recruitment network.
- This marks the second death of a Keralite in the Russian Army.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 19 (NationPress) Another individual has been apprehended in connection with the trafficking of Keralites to the Russian Army, according to police reports on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Sibi P.O., hails from Thrissur.
This arrest follows the detentions of Sandeep Thomas (40) from Ernakulam and Sumesh Antony (40) from Thrissur on Saturday.
Authorities claim the trio allegedly enticed young men with misleading assurances of lucrative employment opportunities in Russia, only to forcibly enlist them into military service.
The suspects are facing charges under the Emigration Act, along with accusations of human trafficking and fraud.
The investigation commenced following a report from Joicy John, the spouse of Binil T.B., a young man from Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, who lost his life in a drone strike while serving in the Russian Military Support Service.
Binil and his relative Jayin Kurien ventured to Russia in April 2024 to pursue careers as a plumber and electrician.
However, upon arrival, they had their passports confiscated and were coerced into military service.
Police disclosed that Binil and Jayin were among numerous Indian youths who traveled to Russia for civilian jobs such as electricians, cooks, plumbers, and drivers. Sandeep Thomas, currently residing in Russia, is regarded as the main orchestrator.
He allegedly utilized his network to recruit individuals from various districts within Kerala. Sumesh is reported to have acted as a mediator, based in Chalakudy, while Sibi assisted with the operations.
The investigation revealed that the victims were attracted by promises of jobs in civilian roles, such as canteen staff and electricians.
Upon their arrival in Russia, they were reportedly compelled to surrender their Indian passports, obtain permanent residency, and subsequently conscripted into the Russian Army, often being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict. This marks the second reported fatality of a Keralite serving in the Russian Army under comparable conditions.
In August of the previous year, another individual, also named Sandeep, a resident of Thrissur, was killed in a drone attack.
Police sources affirmed that they are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the methods utilized for recruiting Indian youths into the Russian Military Support Service under the guise of civilian job opportunities.
