- Multiple suspects arrested for involvement in the racket
The Ministry of Public Security yesterday (28) stressed that the investigations being carried out into the incidents of trafficking of Sri Lankans for combat in the Russian and Ukrainian battlefields, is continuing, with multiple arrests being made.
With concerns mounting about a growing number of Sri Lankans combatants, particularly ex-military personnel, being exploited and sent for front line duties in the warring Russian and Ukrainian armies, the law enforcement authorities are cracking down on the organisers of such scams.
When contacted by The Daily Morning to inquire about the issue, the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said that several suspects have already been arrested by the Police and Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for allegedly trafficking Sri Lankans to Russia and Ukraine over the past few weeks. "We have paid attention to this issue. Several suspects have already been arrested and investigations will continue to apprehend others involved in this racket."
It was recently reported that Sri Lankans who have joined the Russian and Ukraine army have had to face tragic death in combat, an outcome they had not signed up for. In one such recent instance, a Sri Lankan ex-military combatant, together with two other persons, had been killed, while others were injured when an armoured vehicle they were deployed on was struck by an explosive device. The remains of the Sri Lankan who was reportedly killed in action, are yet to be found.
Sources in Russia and Ukraine point to over 60 Sri Lankans working in different combat-related roles in the Ukraine, while over a 100 are said to be working in Russia. Recently the Police arrested a couple, including an ex-Army Major for allegedly organising the employment racket.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 marked a significant escalation of tensions between the countries. The war has resulted in widespread destruction, significant civilian casualties, and displacement of millions of people.