Dominican Republic warns citizens against Russian combat recruitment

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a public alert advising citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding job offers in Russia. The government warns that some lucrative employment opportunities may actually be recruitment efforts for combatants in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The warning follows reports of more than 100 Dominicans being lured by such contracts. The situation gained attention after Juan Carlos Ávila Espaillat, a 28-year-old Dominican, shared videos on social media showing him in combat gear on the front lines. Ávila reported being injured by a land mine and a drone attack.

Dominican Foreign Minister Victor Bisono met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to express concern regarding the issue. The Ministry has specifically cautioned against accepting offers made through unverified digital intermediaries.