Machakos – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismantled a human trafficking syndicate accused of luring Kenyans with fake job offers in Moscow, only to recruit them into Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
According to DCI reports, the syndicate promised victims a monthly salary of KSh 200,000. However, Kenyans who expressed interest in the jobs were forced to pay as much as KSh 2.3 million for visas, logistics, and processing fees.
Heavy penalties were reportedly imposed on those who delayed payments.
Detectives raided several apartments in Athi River, where 21 Kenyans were confined while awaiting travel arrangements.
The raids led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the operation, whose identity authorities have withheld pending further investigations.
Recovered documents from the raids revealed connections between the recruitment firms, raising suspicions that powerful backers may have been shielding the illegal operation.
The DCI said it is working to track all individuals involved and identify any local and international networks supporting the syndicate.
“This is a serious case of human trafficking and exploitation. We urge Kenyans to be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true, especially those involving overseas recruitment,” a DCI spokesperson said.
Authorities have launched a full investigation, and the victims are receiving support while their cases are documented.
The arrest sends a strong warning to criminal networks attempting to exploit unsuspecting Kenyans under the guise of employment opportunities abroad.
