An extensive investigation by the Associated Press has uncovered a systematic scheme wherein Bangladeshi laborers were fraudulently recruited for civilian positions in Russia, only to be coerced into active military participation in the Ukraine conflict. The findings, based on firsthand accounts from survivors and documentation from affected families, reveal a disturbing pattern of human trafficking disguised as employment opportunities.
Three escaped workers—Maksudur Rahman, Mohan Miajee, and Jehangir Alam—provided chilling testimonies of their ordeal. They described being manipulated into signing Russian-language military contracts under false pretenses, followed by compulsory basic training in combat techniques and drone operations. Subsequently, they were forced to perform high-risk duties including frontline supply transport, casualty evacuation, and body recovery operations. Some reported being utilized as human shields in active combat zones.
Labor recruiters specifically targeted economically vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, promoting attractive employment opportunities as cooks, cleaners, and launderers within Russian military installations. These offers included false promises of eventual Russian residency. Many victims incurred substantial debts or liquidated assets to cover processing fees administered by the now-defunct recruitment agency SP Global.
While the precise number of affected individuals remains undetermined, evidence suggests potentially hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals may have been involuntarily conscripted. Bangladeshi police investigations indicate approximately forty citizens may have perished in combat operations.
Authorities in Bangladesh have initiated trafficking investigations targeting networks operated by local intermediaries with connections to Russian officials. The probe began following January 2025 testimony from a returnee who exposed the fraudulent recruitment practices. This led to the identification of nine additional victims and criminal charges against a key operative—a dual Bangladeshi-Russian national residing in Moscow.
The Russian Defense Ministry and Bangladeshi government authorities have not responded to repeated requests for commentary regarding these allegations.