The aggressor country of russia is actively looking for "workers" in Africa, Asia and Latin America to produce its drones. The center of this program has become the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan. This is reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
"Young women from poor countries are offered high salaries and career prospects, but are not informed that they are working on the production of strike drones used against Ukraine," the report says.
In 2024, representatives from 44 countries participated in the Start program, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali and Sri Lanka. The goal for 2025 is 77 countries.
In RSA, BRICS structures were used for recruitment. The Ministry of Women's Affairs urged young people to "be vigilant", and the authorities have launched an investigation into the activities of russian companies.
The local branch of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance signed an agreement to find 5,600 workers for Alabuga. The BRICS Student Commission distributed job advertisements in January, and popular bloggers on Instagram and TikTok promoted them.
"Russia is facing a labor shortage due to mobilization, demographic decline, and restrictions on labor migration from Central Asia. Alabuga is building housing for 41,000 people, which indicates large-scale plans for the production of drones. More than 90% of the participants in the Start program already work in this sector," the intelligence officers say.
Also in 2024, cases were recorded when African women were lured with promises of paid internships in the hotel business, and upon arrival were forced to assemble drones for less pay and in inhumane conditions.
"This year, Interpol launched an investigation in Botswana into "Alabuga Start" on suspicion of human trafficking. Also, in Argentina, a lawsuit was filed against two former participants of the TV show who filmed advertisements for the program," the intelligence service added.
Recall that earlier, the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured a group of Togolese citizens. They were recruited into the russian army, promising student scholarships.
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