Woman faces charges over labour scam

A 20-year-old woman has appeared in court facing human trafficking and labour-related charges after allegedly recruiting Zimbabweans for fake truck driving jobs in Russia that reportedly led to labour exploitation.

Sofia Leonova appeared before the court on two charges of contravening the Trafficking in Persons Act and operating an employment agency without registration.

According to the State, Leonova allegedly acted between January and May this year in collaboration with five Russian accomplices identified only as Victor, Marshy, Sam, Phillip and Michael, who remain at large.

Prosecutors allege the group lured victims using promises of lucrative truck driving jobs and attractive working conditions in Russia.

The court heard that Leonova allegedly advertised the opportunities on Facebook before meeting interested applicants at various locations in Harare, where she reportedly recruited them through deception.

She is accused of facilitating medical examinations, visas and airline tickets for the victims, while also arranging accommodation at a lodge in Eastlea as they prepared to travel.

According to the State, the victims were received by Leonova's alleged accomplices upon arrival in Russia, where their travel documents were confiscated before they were subjected to labour exploitation connected to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The alleged scheme came to light after the victims informed relatives in Zimbabwe about their situation, leading to a police report.

Authorities say the victims remain in Russia while the Department of Social Welfare is working on efforts to repatriate them.

The State further alleges that Leonova had already shortlisted another five victims for recruitment. Three were reportedly intercepted at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, while two others were rescued from a lodge in Eastlea.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.