Bolivia probes alleged recruitment of citizens for Russian army

Bolivian authorities have opened criminal investigations into a network that allegedly recruited Bolivian citizens – and some from Peru and Colombia – with false job offers promising up to $16,000 to travel to Russia and then be sent to the front lines in Ukraine. Police in Santa Cruz arrested a man identified as the son‑in‑law of a suspected recruiter, seized a house used as a staging point and began questioning victims and their families. The prosecutor’s office, led by Roger Mariaca, has opened three cases covering 16 alleged victims, including José María Soleto, who posted a video from the combat zone describing “pure adrenaline” daily life before his wife reported his death.

Families have filed complaints with the Special Unit against Human Trafficking, and the investigation has sought international cooperation with the Bolivian foreign ministry, the Russian embassy, and authorities in Peru, Colombia and other countries. The Russian embassy in Bolivia publicly denied any link to a recruitment scheme, stating it has no information on such activities. Meanwhile, the Bolivian government has asked the foreign ministry to provide a detailed report on the status of its nationals allegedly fighting in the conflict.

The case highlights concerns over human‑trafficking‑style recruitment for foreign armed forces, the use of deceptive employment advertisements, and the broader diplomatic implications of South American citizens being sent to fight in the Russia‑Ukraine war.