Cuba uncovers Russia-Ukraine war trafficking ring

The Cuban Foreign Ministry said Monday it had uncovered a human trafficking ring operating from Russia that is recruiting Cuban citizens to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. 

The alleged human trafficking ring involves Cuban citizens living in Russia and “even some living in Cuba,” according to a statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

Cuba said it is working to “neutralize and dismantle” the operating ring, adding that it has initiated criminal proceedings against those allegedly involved. The agency did not disclose specific individuals facing criminal proceedings.

“Cuba’s enemies are prompting distorted information that seeks to tarnish the country’s image and present it as an accomplice to these actions that we firmly reject,” according to the statement.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla posted the statement to X, formerly known as Twitter, adding, “Action is taken with force of the law against these claims.” 

Last May, the Ryazan Gazette, a Russian newspaper, reported that Cuban immigrants were joining the army in exchange for Russian citizenship. It was not immediately clear if the Cuban Foreign Ministry’s allegations relate to this report. 

The allegations come amid Russia’s efforts to bolster its military numbers in its fight with Ukraine. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin last month ordered the Russian military to increase its number of troops to a total of 1.15 million. The decree is set to take effect Jan. 1, though it was not immediately clear how the military will recruit more members. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to Cuba’s claims.