In response to the recent deaths of six Nepali citizens serving in the Russian army, Nepali authorities have arrested 12 individuals suspected of involvement in an operation allegedly forcing unemployed youths to join the Russian military campaign in Ukraine. The detainees are accused of extorting up to $9000 from victims through the false promise of travel visas. It is suggested that those duped were lured into illegal recruitment within the Russian army, with the accused reportedly directing individuals to Russia on deceitful visit, or tourist, visas, primarily using the United Arab Emirates as a conduit.
Nepal has urged Russia to cease recruiting its citizens into the armed forces and to repatriate any Nepali soldiers currently serving. This plea came alongside a demand for compensation for the families of the deceased Nepali citizens. As an ongoing issue, human smuggling has become a major concern for Nepali citizens working abroad, with remittances from outside of Nepal forming nearly a quarter of the country’s GDP.
Further compounding the issue is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has seen Russia actively seeking additional forces globally. Various sources have been utilised to this effect, including a recent mobilization drive and recruitment efforts by the Wagner mercenary group across Asia.
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