Concerns Over Trafficking of Peruvians to Ukraine Conflict
A Peruvian radio program, RPP, has raised alarm about a trafficking network that lures men from Peru to Russia using false promises of job opportunities, only to end up on the front lines of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a recent interview, attorney Percy Salinas shared that he represents around 120 families claiming their relatives were sent to fight shortly after arriving in Russia. Most of these families reported losing contact with their loved ones about five weeks ago.
Salinas noted that at least eight Peruvians have died due to the conflict, particularly following drone strikes on Russian troops, while five others are currently in Russian hospitals, with one in serious condition.
The trafficking ring, as described by Salinas, allegedly consists of individuals from Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, primarily targeting graduates from the Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police. He mentioned that this group operates under the guise of a recruitment agency, having changed its name six times to evade authorities.
Salinas explained that the network uses platforms like Instagram to advertise positions in Russia for roles such as security guards and chefs, touting enticing salaries of up to $4,000 per month and sign-on bonuses of $20,000.
Victims typically meet recruiters in public locations like malls, where they sign contracts in Russian and surrender their passports—often the only documents requested. After signing, they receive their passports back briefly, only to be flown to Russia soon after.
Upon arrival, however, victims are allegedly informed that they owe $20,000 for transportation expenses. One document reportedly suggests a pathway to obtaining Russian citizenship, which would subject them to military obligations, even if they haven’t renounced their Peruvian nationality. Within weeks, these individuals can be found in military training camps.
Salinas mentioned that another group of 11 Peruvians is believed to have departed for Russia on Saturday.
Families of the deceased Peruvians have been informed that they have six months to repatriate their relatives’ bodies before they face communal burial or cremation. Salinas is also in contact with the Red Cross to see if they have any information that could help locate missing Peruvians, which might take time to verify.
In an unexpected twist, Salinas revealed that a group of 10 Peruvians had recently sought refuge at the embassy in Moscow but were transferred to an apartment due to budget constraints. Since then, Russian authorities have reportedly surrounded the building, attempting to take the Peruvians back for military service.
“What kind of protection is the Peruvian government offering if its citizens, after seeking help, are put in such vulnerable situations?” Salinas questioned. He indicated that the complex situation continues to evolve and remains alarming.
Furthermore, Lila Abarca Pimentel, whose husband, Albert Ayala Eguren, was deceived into joining the Russian military, shared her plight. According to her, her husband was enticed by a false job offer of lucrative pay in security but ended up fighting instead. She expressed her distress, noting the abusive conditions and the threats he received if he attempted to escape.
“We’re desperately waiting for any assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s frustrating, especially since the embassy in Russia isn’t responsive,” Abarca Pimentel stated.
This situation mirrors challenges faced in Cuba, where men have been coerced into providing military support for Russia under the pretense of job opportunities. In response to this, Ukraine closed its embassy in Havana in a show of protest back in October 2025.
