Ex-army suspects exploiting desperate soldiers for Ukraine-Russia combat cash
Yet again, news of Sri Lankan soldiers being smuggled for combat in the Russian-Ukrainian war under false promises of serving in the army as camp helpers and obtaining residency within four years has shed light on organised human trafficking.
The main suspects this time are an army major and a sergeant. They have been remanded.
At least eight are believed to be dead: six in Russia and two in Ukraine, according to the police.
Many, whose families are desperately in need of money considering the economic collapse and skyrocketing costs of living, had been promised a better income. Some have said they can’t live on their pensions.
Previously, too, retired Sri Lankan soldiers had died in combat. In December last year, a captain and two others were killed on the UkraineRussia war front.
Families have been left devastated as their loved ones were sent into combat under false pretences, with some losing their lives without the promised benefits.
Dreams of a better life have turned into a nightmare for these soldiers and their families, exposing the dark reality of human trafficking and exploitation.
In light of this, veteran soldiers, including STF men, aged between 45 and 60, are leaving the country in droves seeking better lives, free from the burdens of a bankrupt country. They are liquidating their assets, including their hard-earned savings, to finance their journeys.
A recent escape of a soldier from Russia has illuminated the harsh reality.
The soldiers had been sent to the frontlines after brief training.
The escapee reportedly revealed that a week or two of training was given before being sent to the frontlines without their consent.
Some of them lost their lives, yet their families were not informed, nor were they paid the promised high salaries. Families are worried.
"We were brought to Colombo with the assistance of Parliamentarian Gamini Waleboda to file complaints about this case with the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry," said one of the family members of the soldiers sent to Russia.
The families claimed that soldiers were also sent to Ukraine. The soldier who exposed the scandal is reluctant to reveal his identity.
Mr. Welaboda said the soldier fears for his life.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested two suspects, aged 67 and 50.
They are a former army major general and a sergeant major, and they are believed to be the masterminds. The two are residents of Kurunegala.
The human trafficking agents, who are Sri Lankans living in Russia, have contacted the arrested major general to facilitate the transportation of individuals to the country with the promise of Rs 2.5 million for each. This has been ongoing since last year.
Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said human traffickers have obtained all documents legally, including tourist visas to Russia.
The Russian Government has no connection with these activities, as investigations have revealed; they are the work of the alleged human traffickers. While there are individuals from various nationalities involved, including Russians, Sri Lankans living in Russia have collaborated with local agents, notably the arrested major general.
The police claim that only 100 soldiers were smuggled out using tourist visas. However, according to the soldier who managed to escape, there are many more—around 600 soldiers—who have been sent to Russia. Some have lost their lives, and the fate of the remaining soldiers is uncertain as contact with them has been lost. They were instructed not to bring their phones to avoid detection by drones.
The escapee had endured a 10-kilometre journey in the freezing cold of the Russian war front to reach the Red Cross. The Sri Lankan embassy in Russia facilitated his safe return.
“We are even planning to get the assistance of the Red Cross in Russia,’’ said Mr. Welaboda.
A CID team has been appointed to investigate and facilitate the return of the soldiers to Sri Lanka.
“The CID extensively questioned me, and I provided them with all the details I had," Mr. Welaboda said.
Mr. Waleboda said the Sri Lankan government would initiate discussions with the Russian embassy to facilitate the repatriations.
A disabled war veteran who has lost both his legs and is now in his 60s drives a three-wheeler taxi to support his family.
He criticised the government for inadequate support. "Survival is tough," he says, struggling to make ends meet with a monthly pension of just Rs 25,000.
United Public Front leader and parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka criticised the government for neglecting ex-soldiers. He highlighted that some soldiers, feeling abandoned and financially helpless, resort to criminal activities, including murder.
Mr. Ranawaka urged financial and moral support to ensure their wellbeing.
There will be increased scrutiny at the airport.
“We have urged the immigration and emigration department at the airport to check on individuals holding tourist visas for Russia or Ukraine,” said Mr. Ranawaka. They have been asked to question the purpose of their travels.
Defence authorities urged family members to share details of retired military men in Russia-Ukraine combat, including dates they had left Sri Lanka and who coordinated their involvement by calling 011 2441 146. The military wants help in identifying human trafficking suspects.
A family member of the 60-year-old veteran smuggled to Russia said he had even sold the earrings of the granddaughter. “I hope he returns home safe,’’ she said.
We have urged the immigration and emigration department at the airport to check on individuals holding tourist visas for Russia or Ukraine