Botswana Warns: Dozens Lured by Fake Russian Jobs, Now Fighting in Ukraine Trenches
A sophisticated scam is tricking citizens of Botswana into fighting in Ukraine, with dozens trapped on the front lines after believing they had accepted legitimate jobs in Russia.
Botswana officials have issued a public warning about a surge in distress calls from citizens who were lured by promises of well-paying work in Russia, often in security or construction. Once the men arrived, their passports were taken, and they were forced into combat in Ukraine [200623]. “They keep getting distress calls from citizens already at the front, describing dangerous conditions they never signed up for,” officials said [200623]. The scam has already lured dozens of citizens, leaving families desperate for news [200623].
The warning comes as Russia seeks to bolster its military forces, with Ukraine recently warning that Moscow could mobilize up to 500,000 soldiers this autumn [199736]. Botswana’s foreign ministry is now working to help those trapped, but access to conflict zones is extremely limited [200623]. Authorities urge anyone offered a Russian job to verify the offer through official channels [200623].