Peru’s public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into an alleged human trafficking network that deceived citizens with false job offers in Russia, only for them to end up fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The office stated on Friday that individuals were “recruited through deceptive job offers to work as security agents and other roles” in Russia, “with the promise of financial compensation.”

The investigation will focus on the alleged crimes of “human trafficking” and “aggravated human trafficking.” Lawyer Percy Salinas, representing families of victims, told local TV channel N that 13 Peruvians have died in the war in Ukraine so far, according to AFP. Salinas said individuals were reportedly offered monthly salaries between $2,000 and $3,000, and an estimated 600 Peruvians have been lured since last October to fight for Russia.

Moscow’s embassy in Lima acknowledged on Thursday that Peruvians had signed contracts to join the Russian armed forces. Peru’s Foreign Ministry said it had asked the Russian embassy to clarify the situation and obtain information about the location and wellbeing of citizens serving in the Russian military. The ministry noted that Peruvian citizens are required to seek permission before serving in a foreign military.

Families of some victims protested outside the ministry in Lima on Thursday, demanding their loved ones be repatriated. Peru is the latest country to raise complaints against Russia over deceptive recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian estimates from February, over 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries are believed to be fighting alongside Russian forces.

Russia has also previously acknowledged enlisting soldiers from North Korea, thousands of whom are estimated to have been killed or wounded in battle, as part of a military pact between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Source: www.aljazeera.com