Zimbabwe investigators uncover alleged recruitment pipeline to Russian Army

Zimbabwean counter-terrorism police say they have arrested a 36-year-old man accused of recruiting people to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Investigators allege the suspect was arrested in Harare while escorting one recruit to a bus terminus, with plans for the group’s journey to Russia via South Africa. Court documents, according to reporting, say police found Russian e-visas and hotel booking confirmations for the recruits—documents prosecutors describe as evidence linked to deployment.

Prosecutors also allege the recruitment scheme involved a Russian national identified only as “Roman,” who remains at large, and that the man had recruited additional people before the arrest.

The case sits within broader allegations that Russia recruits fighters from African countries through networks that promise well-paid jobs or other benefits, only for recruits to be compelled to fight on the Ukrainian front lines. Reporting tied to earlier investigations has claimed large numbers of Africans have been recruited for fighting in Russia’s ranks and that many casualties have occurred.