Seventeen people have now been arrested in Cuba on suspicion of human trafficking. They are accused of persuading young Cubans to serve in the Russian army amid the conflict in Ukraine. You risk the death penalty.
The alleged organizer of the illegal network is said to be among those arrested, Cuban Interior Ministry Colonel Cesar Rodriguez said. The charges include human trafficking, fighting as a mercenary soldier and acts of war against another state. Authorities in Cuba said they had recently identified the smuggling ring, which is believed to operate in both Cuba and Russia and is now being dismantled.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, the suspects risk up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on the severity and type of crime. Rodriguez did not provide details about the investigation, but noted that the illegal network operated with the direct support of two local residents.
Illegal network discovered
This week, Cuban authorities announced the discovery of a network whose members allegedly forced Cubans to join the Russian side in the war in Ukraine. The Cuban Interior Ministry said at the time that it was working to “neutralize and liquidate” the group.
Russia maintains close political ties with communist-ruled Cuba. For a long time, Russia was considered a great hope for Cubans: they emigrated in the hope of escaping economic stagnation in their home country.
Cuba opposes the use of its citizens as mercenaries
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree last year allowing migrants to quickly obtain Russian citizenship for service in the Russian military. The Caribbean island nation insists it is not involved in the war in Ukraine and rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
Source: Krone
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