Hundreds of Peruvian citizens are said to have been lured to Russia with fake job offers and then pushed or forced to serve in the Russian armed forces. The International Society for Human Rights (IGFM) is calling for a thorough investigation of the alleged recruitment networks and protection for those affected. Photos: private
Peru/Russia: Deadly Job Black Market
Urgent need to expose illegal recruitment networks
Frankfurt am Main, September 23, 2026 – Not only Cuban mercenaries are fighting on Russia’s side against Ukraine. According to the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), hundreds of Peruvian citizens are also part of the Russian occupation force. They are lured to Russia with false job offers and pressured or forced to join the armed forces there, as the ISHR learned in direct exchanges with relatives. The Peruvian government estimates the current figure at over 459 Peruvian citizens, including 11 dead, 114 missing, and 3 individuals who were captured by the Ukrainian armed forces.
“Deception, coercion, and the exploitation of economic hardships for recruitment for war purposes constitute serious violations of human dignity and, depending on the individual case, fulfill the criteria of human trafficking or forced labor,” said Valerio Krüger, member of the ISHR board of directors.
Deception and Coercion Are Not Voluntary Recruitment
According to the reports, those affected were offered well-paid civilian jobs in areas such as security, logistics, or as cooks. Upon arrival in Russia, some of them were reportedly confronted with contracts written in Russian, pressured into signing them, and subsequently deployed in the war against Ukraine. Relatives also report broken contact and missing family members.
Peru Must Protect Victims and Prosecute Recruitment Networks
The ISHR strongly supports the initiative of the Peruvian state and appeals to the Peruvian government to intensify investigations against the suspected recruitment networks and to support the affected families.
The human rights organization also calls on the Russian authorities to report immediately, comprehensively, and verifiably on the whereabouts, state of health, and legal situation of the affected individuals. Furthermore, their physical safety, communication with their families, and access to consular assistance must be guaranteed to enable their safe return.
On September 30, the ISHR, together with Peruvian relatives, will provide an update on the current situation.
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