# Recruitment fraud for Russian military service

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/recruitment-fraud-for-russian-military-service
> Updated: 2026-10-14T12:34:42.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Reports have emerged regarding trafficking syndicates that deceive citizens from various countries into fighting for the Russian military in the Ukraine conflict. 

In India, families from Telangana have appealed to state officials for help to repatriate four men who were allegedly promised high-paying civilian jobs in the oil industry. The families claim these men were deceived by agents, had their salaries withheld, and were subsequently forced into the military and deployed to war zones. 

In Bangladesh, authorities arrested two individuals linked to a syndicate that recruited at least 30 people through false employment promises. Victims reportedly paid approximately $8,000 for these opportunities, only to have their passports and phones confiscated upon arrival in Russia. Reports indicate that 20 Bangladeshis have died in the conflict, with some survivors alleging that victims were used as bait during drone attacks. In response, the Bangladeshi government has revoked the licenses of three recruiting agencies involved.

## Claims

- Police arrested Mizanur Rahman and Abu Taher for their alleged links to a trafficking network. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- At least 30 people were trafficked to Russia under the false pretense of high-paying jobs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A total of 20 Bangladeshis have been confirmed dead in the conflict. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Victims had their passports and phones confiscated upon arrival and were handed over to the Russian military. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Victims paid approximately $8,000 for the fraudulent job offers. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Bangladeshi government revoked the licenses and confiscated the security deposits of three recruiting agencies. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Bangladesh arrests two for trafficking citizens to fight in Russia-Ukraine war

Bangladeshi police arrested two suspects for allegedly trafficking at least 30 citizens to Russia under false job promises, resulting in at least 20 confirmed deaths in the Ukraine conflict.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-arrests-two-for-trafficking-citizens-to-fight-in-russia-ukraine-war

### 2026-09-29: Telangana families seek help for four men allegedly forced into Russian military

Families of four Telangana men allege they were recruited for civilian jobs in Russia but were forced into military service in the Ukraine war zone and are now seeking government help for their repatriation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/telangana-families-seek-help-for-four-men-allegedly-forced-into-russian-military

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Cite as: Recruitment fraud for Russian military service. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/recruitment-fraud-for-russian-military-service