Cuba arrests 17 for trafficking Cubans to fight for Russia in Ukraine – National | 24CA News
Cuban authorities mentioned that they had arrested 17 individuals on costs associated to a hoop of human traffickers that allegedly lured younger Cuban males to serve within the Russian navy amid the Ukraine battle.
Cuba earlier this week revealed authorities have been working to “neutralize and dismantle” the community, which it mentioned operated each on Cuban soil and in Russia.
“As a result of the investigations, 17 people have been arrested so far, among them the internal organizer of these activities,” Cesar Rodriguez, a colonel with Cuba´s inside ministry, mentioned late on Thursday on a TV program.
Rodriguez didn’t identify any of these accused of collaborating within the ring, however mentioned the group´s chief relied on two individuals residing on the island to recruit Cubans to battle for rent on behalf of Russia in Ukraine.
Prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes mentioned these concerned within the scandal might be punished with as much as 30 years in jail, a life sentence or the demise penalty, relying on the severity and kind of crimes, which vary from human trafficking, combating as a mercenary and hostile motion towards a overseas state.
Russia, which has sturdy political ties with communist-run Cuba, has lengthy been an vital vacation spot for Cuban migrants looking for to flee financial stagnation at residence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin final 12 months signed a decree permitting foreigners signing up for service within the Russian military to obtain citizenship by way of a fast-track process.
Cuba says it has no half within the struggle in Ukraine, and that it rejects using its residents as mercenaries.
