Bangladesh police arrest two over trafficking recruits to Russian military

Bangladeshi authorities have detained two people accused of trafficking at least 30 citizens to Russia with promises of well-paid work. Police say the recruits were sent to the front lines, where 20 have been confirmed dead and some were used to reveal enemy positions. Both Russia and Ukraine have enlisted foreign fighters since the full-scale invasion began.

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Bangladeshi police identified the two suspects as Mizanur Rahman and Abu Taher. Investigators say they moved at least 30 people to Russia by promising good jobs, then took their documents and phones and transferred them to the military. Seventeen arrived in early May and died on their first deployment after little training; 20 deaths are confirmed. Two survivors are hospitalized in Moscow, and six remain on the battlefield, according to an injured returnee.

Foreign recruitment is broader: Russia’s army is estimated to include 28,000 people from 136 countries, plus about 14,000 North Korean troops sent to Kursk in 2024. Ukraine says 16,000 foreign nationals from over 70 countries serve in its forces, nearly 40 percent from Latin America. Amnesty has criticized Russia’s recruitment methods; Moscow denies coercion.

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