Bangladesh Police Arrest Two Suspected of Trafficking Locals to Fight for Russia in Ukraine

Authorities in Bangladesh have apprehended two individuals allegedly connected to a human trafficking ring that lured locals with deceptive promises to fight for Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. Mohammad Asaduzzaman, commander of the elite police force Special Response Battalion, stated on Wednesday that the suspects, identified as Mizanur Rahman and Abu Taher, are believed to have trafficked at least 30 people to Russia under the guise of lucrative job opportunities.

Upon arrival in Russia, the victims reportedly had their passports and phones confiscated before being handed over to the Russian military. Asaduzzaman revealed that 17 of these trafficking victims, who reached Russia in early May, perished on their first day of deployment due to inadequate training. In total, 20 Bangladeshi nationals have been confirmed deceased.

"Bangladeshis were used as bait to locate enemy positions," Asaduzzaman explained. "Russian forces determined their next course of action after the Bangladeshis fell victim to drone attacks." A survivor, who was injured and managed to return to Bangladesh, recounted that two more Bangladeshis are receiving medical treatment in a Moscow hospital, while six others remain on the battlefield, according to police reports.

Bangladeshi media outlets reported that the victims hailed from impoverished backgrounds and had paid approximately $8,000 for the fraudulent job offers that led them to Russia. Both Russia and Ukraine have enlisted thousands of foreign nationals into their armed forces since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. It is estimated that around 28,000 foreigners from 136 countries are currently fighting for the Russian army, with officials suggesting Moscow deployed approximately 14,000 North Korean troops during Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region in 2024. Meanwhile, Ukraine reports that 16,000 foreign nationals from over 70 countries, including nearly 40 percent from Latin America, are serving in its military.

During a recent address at the United Nations General Assembly, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that Russia employs deceptive recruitment tactics for its "absolutely brutal" campaign, urging nations to prevent Moscow from involving their citizens in the war. Amnesty International has also voiced concerns, accusing Russia of utilizing "deceptive, coercive and exploitative practices" to recruit foreigners for combat on the Ukrainian front lines. Russia has previously denied allegations of forcing foreigners to join its military. Amnesty International has stated it cannot investigate foreigners fighting for Ukraine due to a lack of access to prisoners of war held in Russia, which has designated the human rights organization as a "foreign agent."