Mumbai Firms 'Duped' Men Into Joining Russia's War

Malad-based travel firm, Vasai-based overseas recruitment company on CBI radar; agency probes nationwide human trafficking network

The CBI is investigating a Malad-based travel company and its director, and a Vasaibased overseas recruitment firm and three of its officials, as part of a probe into a nationwide human trafficking network targeting young people with promises of lucrative jobs in Russia. At least two men who were lured into the scheme have already died. The CBI had come across around 35 instances of victims having been sent abroad, sources said.

These traffickers operate as an organised network and lure Indian nationals through social media platforms and also through their local agents. Thereafter, the trafficked Indians are trained in combat roles and deployed on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war against their wishes, agency officials said.