More than 20 people have been rescued in Kenya from a suspected human trafficking ring that lured them with job offers in Russia but intended to send them to fight in Ukraine, police said. It follows an intelligence-led raid on a residential apartment on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, where officers seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and job offer letters. One suspect, accused of coordinating the victims' travel to Russia in September and October, has been arrested. He was taken to court, which allowed him to be detained for 10 days while the police complete their investigations. There have been growing concerns over the rising number of Kenyans being trafficked abroad under false job promises. A young Kenyan athlete was recently captured in Ukraine, saying he was tricked into joining the Russian army. Authorities said Wednesday's arrest followed a coordinated multi-agency security operation targeting the criminal network, which has been extorting huge sums from desperate Kenyan job seekers. A total of 22 Kenyans were found in an apartment in Athi River area, 'awaiting processing to Russia'. Police said the 'mysterious trafficking syndicate' was luring Kenyans with job offers in Moscow, only to send them to fight for the Russian military in Ukraine. Detectives said the victims revealed they had signed contracts with an unnamed overseas employment agency, committing to pay up to $18,000 (£13,000) for visas, travel, accommodation, and other logistics. Some of the victims also indicated that they had already paid deposits of $1,500. Once recruited, police said many return home injured, traumatised, or in some cases, never make it back.
Kenyan Authorities Bust Trafficking Ring for Ukrainian Combatants

Kenyan Authorities Bust Trafficking Ring for Ukrainian Combatants
Over 20 Kenyans were rescued from a deceptive trafficking operation aimed at recruiting fighters for the Ukraine war under the guise of job offers in Russia.
In a recent raid in Nairobi, police intercepted a human trafficking scheme that was luring Kenyans with false job prospects in Russia, only to send them to fight in Ukraine. Authorities found 22 victims awaiting processing for travel to Russia. One alleged trafficker has been arrested as investigations continue amidst growing concerns about the increasing cases of Kenyans trafficked under false pretenses.