Cuba arrests 17 for trafficking young people to fight for Russia in Ukraine

HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuban authorities said they had arrested 17 people on charges related to a human trafficking ring that allegedly lured young Cubans to serve in the Russian army amid the Ukraine conflict.

Cuba revealed earlier this week that authorities were working to “neutralize and dismantle” the network, which it said operated on both Cuban soil and Russia.

“As a result of the investigations, 17 people have been arrested so far, including the internal organizer of these activities,” César Rodríguez, colonel in Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, said late Thursday on a television program.

Rodríguez did not name any of those accused of participating in the network, but said the group’s leader depended on two people who resided on the island to recruit Cubans to fight for hire on behalf of Russia in Ukraine.

Prosecutor José Luis Reyes said those involved in the scandal could be punished with up to 30 years in prison, life in prison or the death penalty, depending on the severity and type of crimes, ranging from human trafficking, mercenary fighting and hostility. action against a foreign state.

Russia, which has strong political ties to communist Cuba, has long been a major destination for Cuban immigrants seeking to escape economic stagnation at home.

Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing foreigners who enlist to serve in the Russian military to receive citizenship through a fast-track procedure.

Cuba says it has no part in the war in Ukraine and rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.

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