Russian National In Zimbabwe Over Human Trafficking Allegations
A Russian national was arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday on suspicion of human trafficking after allegedly facilitating a Zimbabwean man’s travel to Russia.
Leonid Koftev, 36, appeared before Harare magistrate Jessie Kufa on Wednesday. He faces additional charges of breaching immigration conditions and operating an unregistered employment agency. He was remanded in custody to 9 June.
The State alleges Koftev was intercepted at the airport on Monday while facilitating the victim’s travel.
Prosecutors have not detailed the conduct underpinning the trafficking charge. In recent months, Zimbabwe has emerged as a target for Russian military recruiters.
According to court papers, detectives received information that Koftev was working with an accomplice in Russia, identified only as “Constantine”, to recruit Zimbabweans to travel to the country.
Koftev entered Zimbabwe on 28 May on a 30-day holiday visa and stayed in Mandara, Harare. Prosecutors allege he recruited one victim and arranged a Russian e-visa, airline tickets and hotel accommodation, booking him on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
On Monday, Koftev allegedly collected the victim from Budiriro and drove him to the airport. Detectives intercepted the pair and recovered the victim’s Russian e-visa, air tickets and hotel booking confirmation from Koftev’s possession.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Koftev is a flight risk because of his foreign connections and could interfere with witnesses and the investigation.
In April, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said at least 18 Zimbabweans had been killed fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with at least 63 others still in the conflict zone. –
_ZimLive_
