Cuban authorities have taken swift action, arresting 17 individuals connected to a human trafficking network accused of enticing young Cuban men to join the Russian military in Ukraine. This international operation is raising concerns about the exploitation of individuals for military purposes in a foreign conflict.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry disclosed earlier this week that an ongoing effort was underway to dismantle this illicit network, which reportedly operated within Cuba and Russia, orchestrating the recruitment of Cubans to participate in the conflict in Ukraine on behalf of the Russian military.

Colonel Cesar Rodriguez, a representative of Cuba’s Interior Ministry, provided an update on Thursday, stating, “As a result of the investigations, 17 people have been arrested so far, among them the internal organiser of these activities.” While the names of those implicated were not disclosed, Rodriguez revealed that the ringleader relied on two individuals residing in Cuba to enlist Cubans for combat in Ukraine, with promised payments from Russia.

Cuban prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes emphasised that individuals implicated in this scandal could face severe penalties, including sentences of up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. The charges span a range of offences, from human trafficking to engaging as mercenaries and participating in hostile actions against a foreign state.

Russia, with close political ties to communist-run Cuba, has traditionally served as a destination for Cubans seeking to escape economic challenges in their homeland. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin enacted a decree that streamlined the citizenship process for foreigners who enlisted in the Russian military.

Cuba has steadfastly maintained its non-involvement in the Ukraine conflict and denounced the use of its citizens as mercenaries. Nevertheless, reports in May indicated that several Cubans had signed contracts with Russia’s military, allegedly sent to fight in Ukraine in exchange for Russian passports.

The situation in Ukraine has seen Russia resort to various tactics, including employing private military groups such as the Wagner Group, which had been known to recruit fighters directly from Russian prisons. Wagner Group mercenaries have also been joined by foreign nationals, including Syrians.