Cuban authorities have apprehended 17 individuals involved in a human trafficking ring that allegedly enticed young Cuban men to join the Russian military in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry confirmed earlier this week that efforts were underway to dismantle the network, which operated both in Cuba and Russia, facilitating the recruitment of Cubans to fight against Ukraine.
Colonel Cesar Rodriguez of Cuba’s Interior Ministry revealed on a televised program that as a result of their investigations, 17 individuals, including the mastermind behind the operation, have been arrested.
While the names of those accused have not been disclosed, Rodriguez stated that the ringleader relied on two individuals residing in Cuba to recruit Cubans for combat in Ukraine. These recruits were promised payment on behalf of Russia.
Jose Luis Reyes, a Cuban prosecutor, highlighted the severity of the crimes committed by those involved in the scandal.
Punishments could range from up to 30 years in prison to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on the nature and severity of the crimes.
The charges include human trafficking, engaging in mercenary activities, and hostile actions against a foreign state.
Russia, known for its close political ties with communist-run Cuba, has historically been an attractive destination for Cubans seeking to escape economic hardships in their home country.
Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing foreigners who enlist in the Russian army to expedite their citizenship process.
In May, Russian media reported that several Cubans had signed contracts with the Russian military and were subsequently deployed to Ukraine in exchange for Russian passports.
As Russia faced mounting casualties and struggled to make significant gains on the battlefield against Ukrainian forces, it sought assistance from private military forces such as the Wagner Group, which recruited fighters from Russian prisons. Wagner also enlisted Syrian fighters to join Russian troops in Ukraine.
Earlier this year, it was reported that an Iraqi citizen, recruited from prison, lost his life while fighting for the Wagner Group in Ukraine.
Cuba has vehemently denied any involvement in the war in Ukraine and has condemned the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
The recent arrests demonstrate Cuba’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring that its citizens are not exploited for military purposes.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the international community remains concerned about the involvement of foreign fighters and the impact on the region’s stability.