CNN: Peru probes alleged recruitment of citizens into Russian military

Peruvian authorities are investigating an alleged scheme in which citizens were recruited into the Russian military under the guise of high-paying job offers, CNN reported.

According to the broadcaster, many men were offered jobs as cooks, security guards, or drivers.

However, after arriving in Russia, they reportedly signed military contracts and were later sent to the combat zone in Ukraine.

“My son asked me not to embarrass him, that I had to believe in him, that he was just going to work as a cook. <…> He left me heartbroken. Something told me that there was something wrong. I said goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him,” Norma, mother of 31-year-old son, told CNN.

Peru's prosecutor's office is currently examining 36 complaints and investigating possible signs of human trafficking.

Lawyers involved in the cases estimate that as many as 800 Peruvian citizens may be serving on Russia's side.

Peru's Foreign Ministry has reportedly sent at least 247 requests to the Russian authorities seeking information on the whereabouts of Peruvian citizens and has demanded that they be returned safely.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov