Russian trap: How African women were duped into exploitative slave-like labour

Investigations by the Associated Press and BBC have exposed a massive recruitment scheme known as the Alabuga Start program, which has lured over 1,000 African women into slave-like labor at a military drone factory in Russia’s Tatarstan region. 

Women aged 18–22 from Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and South Sudan were lured by social media ads and influencers promising well-paid “hospitality” or “logistics” jobs and education.

Upon arrival, many were forced to assemble Iranian-designed Shahed-136 attack drones used in the war against Ukraine.
Recruits report 12-hour shifts, constant surveillance, and exposure to caustic chemicals that caused severe skin irritation and peeling.

Promised salaries of ~$500 were often gutted by unexpected deductions for airfare, accommodation, and “fines” for minor infractions.

The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime and Interpol are investigating the scheme for signs of human trafficking, noting that passports are often withheld to prevent women from leaving. 

The Kenyan government has reportedly launched a probe into the trafficking of its citizens after discovering at least 14 Kenyan women were trapped at the facility.

By Anthony Solly