Kenyan police have successfully disrupted a human trafficking network that was reportedly sending citizens to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs, with the ultimate intention of enlisting them in the conflict in Ukraine. The operation, which followed an intelligence-led raid on an apartment complex in Nairobi, resulted in the rescue of over 20 individuals.
During the raid, officers confiscated crucial evidence, including recruitment materials, official travel documents, and various job offer letters. A primary suspect, allegedly responsible for facilitating the victims’ travel to Russia during September and October, has been apprehended and is currently being held for 10 days as investigations continue.
This incident highlights a growing concern about Kenyans being targeted by fraudulent overseas employment schemes. Earlier reports detailed the case of a young Kenyan athlete who claimed to have been misled into joining the Russian army and subsequently found himself in Ukraine.
The multi-agency operation aimed to dismantle this criminal network, which has been exploiting desperate job seekers by demanding significant sums of money. The victims reported signing contracts with an unspecified employment agency, agreeing to pay upwards of $18,000 for visas, travel, and accommodation. Some had already paid initial deposits of $1,500.
According to police, individuals who fall victim to this syndicate often return home injured, traumatised, or, in tragic cases, do not return at all. The Kenyan government is actively investigating these reports, with officials noting that several Kenyan nationals are believed to be held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps.