Approximately 120 Peruvian families have lost contact with their relatives after the individuals traveled to Russia under the guise of high-paying employment opportunities. While promised roles in security, cooking, or driving, these citizens have instead been forced into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Diplomatic Crisis and Immediate Risks
Percy Salinas, a lawyer representing the affected families, reports a critical situation involving at least 10 Peruvians who had sought safety within the Peruvian Embassy in Russia. After staying in the diplomatic facility for about 10 days, they were recently removed and relocated to a private apartment.
According to Salinas, the removal was justified by a lack of budget and limited space within the building. The lawyer warns that these individuals are no longer under the protection of the Peruvian state, leaving them vulnerable to forced return to the front lines.
Salinas claims that Russian forces are currently surrounding the apartment building in an attempt to recover the Peruvians and return them to their military base.
Casualties and Missing Persons
The human cost of the recruitment scheme is already evident. Salinas reports that eight Peruvians have died in battle, with their bodies currently held in local morgues. Families have a six-month window to claim the remains before they are incinerated or moved to common graves.
five other Peruvians are hospitalized following attacks in combat zones. One of these individuals is in grave condition, while others suffer from fractures and a lack of necessary medical assistance.
For the remaining missing persons, families have been without contact for five weeks. Salinas noted that the uncertainty is heightened by ongoing drone attacks in the regions where the citizens are deployed.
The Recruitment Mechanism
The operation is allegedly run by an organization based in Colombia with the assistance of Peruvian citizens. The group primarily targets retired members of the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the Army, requiring only a valid passport for recruitment.
The process begins with job offers on social media. Once candidates are cited, they are asked to sign documents in Russian and are flown to Russia within three days.
Upon arrival, the promise of a $20,000 payment is revealed to be a deception. Recruiters reportedly seize the victims’ passports, cell phones and IDs, informing them that they now owe $20,000 to cover the cost of their transport.
Following this, the individuals are sent to indoctrination centers before being deployed to the line of battle for a purported two-year service period.
Legal Actions and Government Response
Families have filed complaints with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (Dirincri) for alleged human trafficking, providing videos, messages, and records of those involved in the recruitment.
Some families report receiving threats after filing these legal complaints. Salinas has called upon the General Director of the National Police to ensure the safety of these families through the Dirincri special team.
On the diplomatic front, mothers of the affected have met with the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. While a “note of protest” was issued, families viewed this as insufficient.
As a next step, approximately 120 families plan to submit a signed document this Wednesday to request a direct meeting with Chancellor Carlos Pareja to coordinate the location and repatriation of their relatives. The International Red Cross has likewise been asked to intervene to assist the wounded and manage the situation of the deceased.
The crisis may continue to grow, as Salinas warned that 11 more Peruvians reportedly departed for Russia this past Saturday despite the ongoing denunciations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the Peruvians recruited?
They were lured via social media offers for jobs as drivers, cooks, or security personnel. The recruiters specifically targeted retired members of the Army and the Peruvian National Police (PNP).
What happens to the documents of those who travel?
Once in Russia, recruiters reportedly seize the individuals’ passports, DNI, and cell phones, and force them to sign documents in Russian, including one that grants them Russian nationality.
What is the current status of the Peruvian government’s response?
The Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations has issued a note of protest, though affected families consider this insufficient and are seeking a direct meeting with Chancellor Carlos Pareja for repatriation efforts.
How can governments better protect citizens from international recruitment scams that lead to foreign conflicts?
