Bolivian police investigate alleged human trafficking in recruitment for Russia's war
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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Under investigation
- Bolivian police are investigating a potential human trafficking case involving two men recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
- The families of the men reported them missing after they traveled to Russia, with suspicions they may have died in combat.
- Authorities are examining recruitment claims, including promises of significant financial compensation.
Bolivian authorities have launched an investigation into alleged human trafficking following reports that two Bolivian nationals were recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. The case was opened after the families of Iván Valdivia and José María Soleto reported them missing.
In virtue of that report, a case was opened ex officio, and then the wives of two individuals who probably lost their lives in this war, that is, the war between Russia and Ukraine, presented themselves. We took the police informational statement from one of them, who mentioned in her statement that on April 24, her husband had traveled to Brazil, (to then travel to Russia).
David Gómez, the commander of the Santa Cruz police, stated that the investigation began after receiving a report from the Special Force to Combat Crime (Felcc). The wives of the two men have provided statements, with one indicating her husband traveled to Brazil on April 24 before heading to Russia. There are concerns that both men may have lost their lives in the conflict.
According to the information gathered, the recruits were allegedly promised substantial sums, ranging from $12,000 to $16,000 for their training, followed by a monthly salary in U.S. dollars. Police are working to corroborate these claims and identify the individuals or groups responsible for the recruitment process.
They (the recruited) would receive sums between $12,000 to $16,000 as payment for all training activities and would subsequently receive a salary in dollars, a situation that is being corroborated.
The investigation is currently focused on human trafficking and smuggling charges, but the legal classification may evolve as more details emerge. The police are continuing to take statements to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the recruitment and deployment of these individuals.
The case is being investigated for human trafficking and smuggling, but the classification may change during the course of the investigations when different actions are established.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by El Deber in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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