6-12-2023 (KATHMANDU) Police in Nepal have apprehended 10 individuals who are accused of charging unemployed youths exorbitant amounts of money for travel visas and then illegally recruiting them into the Russian army, according to an official statement on Wednesday.
This development comes after Nepal requested Moscow to cease recruiting its citizens into the Russian army and to repatriate any Nepali soldiers currently serving in Russia’s military, following the deaths of six Nepali citizens serving in the Russian armed forces.
Bhupendra Khatri, the Kathmandu District Police chief, confirmed that 10 individuals had been taken into custody in recent days based on tips received. Khatri stated that discussions with government lawyers are underway regarding the case, and the detainees will be presented in court. However, he did not provide a specific date for their court appearance. Khatri revealed that the detainees had unlawfully charged each person up to $9,000 and facilitated their travel to Russia using “visit (tourist) visas,” primarily through the United Arab Emirates.
Once in Russia, these individuals were then recruited into the Russian army. Khatri described the case as an instance of human smuggling and organized crime.
As of now, the detainees have not been reachable for comment on the allegations.
Nepal, located between China and India, has urged Russia, which invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022 and has been involved in an ongoing conflict, to compensate the families of the deceased Nepali citizens.
Nepali soldiers, known as Gurkhas, have gained a reputation for their bravery and combat skills, serving in the British and Indian armies since India’s independence in 1947 under a tripartite agreement between the three nations. However, no such agreement exists between Nepal and Russia.
Millions of Nepalis find employment in various civilian sectors, predominantly as laborers in industries and construction sites, in countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, and the Middle East.
