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Peru Probes Alleged Russian Recruitment Scheme as Families Protest in Lima
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Peru has opened an investigation into allegations that its citizens were lured to Russia with promises of civilian jobs but were instead sent to fight in the war against Ukraine.
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According to official statements published by the Peruvian government on May 1, prosecutors are examining potential human trafficking offenses following multiple complaints from families of missing men.
The investigation focuses on claims that Peruvians were recruited through deceptive job offers and later forced into military service.
Ukrainian paratroopers rescued a wounded Peruvian who says he was coerced into fighting for Russian forces after being lured to Moscow with a job offer.
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) April 30, 2026
This is his story ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WPVdlZWiDL
Peruvian authorities said relatives reported that individuals had been promised “good jobs in Russia,” including roles as security guards and other civilian positions, but upon arrival were allegedly coerced to participate in combat operations against Ukraine.
Prosecutors stated the case may involve crimes against human dignity, including human trafficking under aggravated circumstances.
Peru’s prosecutor’s office is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Migration Authority, and a specialized police unit on human trafficking to determine the scope of the alleged network.
The Russian embassy in Lima acknowledged that some Peruvians had signed contracts with the Russian armed forces but maintained that they joined voluntarily—claims disputed by families, who say their relatives were misled.
Local outlet Republika reported on May 3 that protests took place outside the Russian embassy in Lima, where families demanded information about missing relatives.
Some of the men were initially told they would travel to Russia as tourists, while others were offered salaries ranging from several thousand dollars per month. Relatives said they later learned the men were undergoing military training and could be deployed to the front line.
Lawyer Percy Salinas, representing affected families, said that at least 13 Peruvian nationals have already been killed in the war, according to AFP. He added that as many as 600 Peruvians may have been recruited since late 2025, with offers reportedly including monthly pay between $2,000 and $3,000.
Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested clarification from the Russian embassy regarding the location and status of its citizens. Officials also noted that Peruvians must obtain government authorization before serving in a foreign military.
Earlier, an investigation found that Russia has recruited at least 27,000 foreign nationals from over 130 countries since 2022. The report estimates that more than 5,000 of them have been killed in combat against Ukraine, with many allegedly lured by promises of civilian jobs but later deployed to frontline positions.
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