With many families burdened by debt taken to fund these journeys, the men say only a thorough investigation and swift arrests can expose the alleged nexus and prevent future exploitation
Five men from Punjab who were recently deported from Russia have alleged the existence of an organised network involving India-based immigration agents and blacklisted Russian educational institutions that allegedly traps Indian youths abroad and exposes them to the risk of forced military recruitment amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. The victims have urged government authorities to intervene urgently to prevent more young Indians from falling prey to such schemes.
The case came to light after the Jamalpur police in Ludhiana registered an FIR on January 8 against two brothers who run an immigration agency in the city. The complaint was filed by 27-year-old Sahil Singh from Patiala, who claimed he was cheated and misled into travelling to Russia on a study visa. The accused have been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating and criminal conspiracy, along with provisions of the Immigration Act. Singh has also sought the inclusion of human trafficking charges.
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According to the police inquiry, the agents allegedly sent the victims to a blacklisted educational institute in Russia, fully aware of its status
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Other alleged victims include Rawat Bhatti of Ferozepur, Ram Kataria of Nawanshahr, and Gurjant Singh of Khanna
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After arriving in Moscow in late October 2025, the men were taken to a hostel arranged by the agents, where several other Indian nationals, sent by the same agency, were also staying
Bhatti said he was drawn in by social media advertisements promising monthly earnings of up to ₹1.5 lakh in Russia, despite not meeting standard language requirements for other countries. The agents reportedly advised enrolling in a one-year language course, claiming it would allow students to work legally alongside their studies.
Soon after, Russian authorities detained the group, citing visa irregularities. The FIR states that when the men visited the institute on November 6, police were already present and detained them along with dozens of other Indian youths linked to the same college. After days in custody, they were sent to jail, where some detainees were allegedly pressured to sign documents written in Russian. Those who signed were reportedly taken away and not seen again.
The group was deported on November 14, 2025, following repeated appeals by family members to educational authorities and embassies. The victims claim several deported youths are now suffering from trauma and depression.
