Argentine network recruiting fighters for Ukraine war dismantled

Argentine Federal Police have dismantled a recruitment network that allegedly lured Argentines to fight in the Ukraine-Russia war. The operation, led by the Federal Police's Anti-Kidnapping Department, stems from an investigation initiated in March.

Authorities became aware of the operation after airport security detected inconsistencies in the travel plans of four men bound for Ukraine. Initially, the men claimed they were hired for construction work in war-torn areas. However, separate interviews revealed significant contradictions, including a lack of return tickets, insufficient funds, and no personal knowledge of their contacts.

Further investigation through digital platforms revealed the recruits were promised approximately $3,000 per month to join the combat. They admitted to not signing contracts and were instructed to hide their true intentions from authorities, stating they were traveling for construction jobs. The suspects allegedly recruited civilians, ex-military, and former security force members.

The Federal Justice of Lomas de Zamora is overseeing the case. In a recent development, police arrested a woman in Tigre suspected of being part of the network. Her partner, believed to be a key recruiter, remains at large after reportedly fleeing to Brazil days before the operation.