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Russian arrested in Zimbabwe over 'war recruitment' plot
2 hrs ago |
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A Russian national has appeared in court facing human trafficking-related charges after he was allegedly caught attempting to facilitate the departure of a Zimbabwean man to Russia for possible involvement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Leonid Koftov was arrested on Monday at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and is being charged under provisions of Zimbabwe's Trafficking in Persons Act and Labour Act.
Koftov was remanded in custody and is awaiting a ruling on his bail application.
According to the State, police received information on May 29 that an unidentified Zimbabwean man was allegedly being recruited to travel to Russia by Koftov and an accomplice identified only as Constantine, who is believed to be based in Russia and remains at large.
Investigators established that Koftov had arrived in Zimbabwe on May 28 through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on a 30-day holiday visa and was staying in Mandara, Harare.
The court heard that shortly after arriving in the country, Koftov allegedly recruited the Zimbabwean and began making arrangements for his departure. Prosecutors allege that he facilitated the processing of a Russian electronic visa, purchased airline tickets and secured hotel accommodation reservations for the recruit.
On Monday, Koftov allegedly hired a taxi and travelled to Budiriro, where he collected the man and transported him to the airport for a scheduled flight to Russia.
However, detectives who had been monitoring the situation intercepted the pair at the airport before departure.
The State alleges that Koftov was found in possession of the Zimbabwean's Russian e-visa documentation, airline tickets and hotel booking confirmations.
He was immediately taken into custody.
The case comes amid growing concern over reports of Zimbabweans being recruited to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Government recently disclosed that at least 18 Zimbabweans have died while fighting in the conflict after allegedly being recruited through schemes promising lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
Authorities say many recruits were reportedly lured by offers of civilian jobs but later found themselves deployed in active combat zones, often with limited military training.
The Government has warned citizens against responding to unregulated overseas employment advertisements, particularly those circulated on social media platforms, and says it is working with Russian authorities to assist Zimbabweans affected by the conflict.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing, including efforts to locate Koftov's alleged accomplice, Constantine.
Leonid Koftov was arrested on Monday at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and is being charged under provisions of Zimbabwe's Trafficking in Persons Act and Labour Act.
Koftov was remanded in custody and is awaiting a ruling on his bail application.
According to the State, police received information on May 29 that an unidentified Zimbabwean man was allegedly being recruited to travel to Russia by Koftov and an accomplice identified only as Constantine, who is believed to be based in Russia and remains at large.
Investigators established that Koftov had arrived in Zimbabwe on May 28 through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on a 30-day holiday visa and was staying in Mandara, Harare.
The court heard that shortly after arriving in the country, Koftov allegedly recruited the Zimbabwean and began making arrangements for his departure. Prosecutors allege that he facilitated the processing of a Russian electronic visa, purchased airline tickets and secured hotel accommodation reservations for the recruit.
On Monday, Koftov allegedly hired a taxi and travelled to Budiriro, where he collected the man and transported him to the airport for a scheduled flight to Russia.
However, detectives who had been monitoring the situation intercepted the pair at the airport before departure.
The State alleges that Koftov was found in possession of the Zimbabwean's Russian e-visa documentation, airline tickets and hotel booking confirmations.
He was immediately taken into custody.
The case comes amid growing concern over reports of Zimbabweans being recruited to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Government recently disclosed that at least 18 Zimbabweans have died while fighting in the conflict after allegedly being recruited through schemes promising lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
Authorities say many recruits were reportedly lured by offers of civilian jobs but later found themselves deployed in active combat zones, often with limited military training.
The Government has warned citizens against responding to unregulated overseas employment advertisements, particularly those circulated on social media platforms, and says it is working with Russian authorities to assist Zimbabweans affected by the conflict.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing, including efforts to locate Koftov's alleged accomplice, Constantine.
Source - newsday
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