12 Arrested for Illegally Sending Nepali Citizens to Recruit in Russian Army

In a significant breakthrough, authorities revealed on Wednesday the apprehension of 12 individuals involved in an illicit operation, accused of sending Nepali citizens to be recruited in the Russian Army. The arrests were made public during a press conference held at the District Police Range in Kathmandu.

The suspects identified as Santosh Roka, Rojal Maharjan, Manish Neupane, Hari Bahadur Bishwokarma, Kshitiz Giri, Dipen Pariyar, Subas Lama, Gokarna Aryal, Santosh Nepal, Sujata Dahal, Ishwor Adhikari, and Dorna Dangi, were presented before the media.

According to SP Kumodh Dhungel, the Spokesperson at the District Police Range, Kathmandu, the investigation revealed that the alleged smugglers employed various methods to transport Nepali citizens to Russia. The illegal operation involved sending individuals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on visit visas and subsequently smuggling them into Russia through the land route from India.

The smugglers reportedly charged a substantial amount, ranging from Rs 700,000 to Rs 1.1 million per person, for facilitating the recruitment process. Additionally, it was disclosed that Shovraj and Anup, Nepali citizens residing in Russia, had supported the illegal activities of the group.

Out of the individuals who had been sent to Russia, 11 have since returned to Nepal. The police have intensified their efforts to dismantle the network and are conducting further investigations to uncover the full extent of the operation. Authorities are expected to take legal action against those arrested, charging them with human trafficking and involvement in illegal recruitment activities.