Cuba arrests 17 for trafficking males to battle for Russia in Ukraine

Cuban authorities stated that they had arrested 17 folks on costs associated to a hoop of human traffickers that allegedly lured younger Cuban males to serve within the Russian navy amid the Ukraine battle.

Earlier this week, Cuba stated authorities have been working to “neutralise and dismantle” the community, which it stated operated each on Cuban soil and in Russia.

“As a result of the investigations, 17 people have been arrested so far, among them the internal organiser of these activities,” Cesar Rodriguez, a colonel with Cubaôs inside ministry, stated late on Thursday on a TV programme.

Rodriguez didn’t identify any of these accused of taking part within the ring, however stated the group’s chief relied on two folks residing on the island to recruit Cubans to battle for rent on behalf of Russia in Ukraine.

Prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes stated these concerned within the scandal may very well be punished with as much as 30 years in jail, a life sentence or the loss of life penalty, relying on the severity and kind of crimes, which vary from human trafficking, preventing as a mercenary and hostile motion in opposition to a international state.

Russia, which has sturdy political ties with communist-run Cuba, has lengthy been an vital vacation spot for Cuban migrants in search of to flee financial stagnation at dwelling.

Last 12 months, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree permitting foreigners signing up for service within the Russian military to obtain citizenship through a fast-track process.

Cuba says it has no half within the struggle in Ukraine and rejects using its residents as mercenaries.

Edited By:

Prateek Chakraborty

Published On:

Sep 8, 2023