Botswana warns: Russian job scam leads citizens to Ukraine war trenches

Botswana officials report a surge in distress calls from citizens trapped in a war zone. The calls come from men who believed they had accepted legitimate jobs in Russia, only to find themselves forced into combat in Ukraine. The government has issued a public warning about a sophisticated scam. Recruiters promise well-paying work in Russia, often in security or construction. Once citizens arrive, their passports are taken, and they are sent to the front lines. “They keep getting distress calls from citizens already at the front, describing dangerous conditions they never signed up for,” officials said. The warning comes as Russia seeks to bolster its military forces. Botswana’s foreign ministry is now working to help those trapped, but access to conflict zones is extremely limited. Authorities urge anyone offered a Russian job to verify the offer through official channels. The scam has already lured dozens of citizens, leaving families desperate for news.