Women from several African countries and Sri Lanka have been misled into working in Russian drone manufacturing under the pretense of securing jobs in Europe.
200 Women Work Under Harsh Conditions
According to an analysis by the Robert Lansing Institute and investigations by the Associated Press, these women have become victims of human trafficking, a crime defined by international law as forcing individuals to work for others through violence or deceit.
These young women, hailing from countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, were promised free flights to jobs abroad but instead found themselves in a special economic zone known as "Alabuga."
This area is dedicated to the production of military drones, and their experiences highlight a clear case of fraud and exploitation, according to Digi24.
Currently, about 200 women, mostly aged 18 to 22, work under harsh conditions in these facilities. Some of them were exchange students who had traveled to Russia when they were only 16.
One woman recounted her hopes of heading to Europe only to end up in Alabuga, lamenting her dire working conditions and meager pay. These women face constant surveillance in both factories and their living quarters, indicating a lack of freedom and illegal detention.
Prevented From Returning Home
There are alarming reports of possible sexual exploitation by security personnel and supervisors at these facilities. The wages initially promised are substantially lower than those actually paid, and the working hours are longer than agreed upon.
Many women are reportedly prevented from returning home, which only adds to their illegal confinement. Sources indicate that their phones are monitored to prevent any unwanted communications.
The Alabuga factory, built in 2023, is owned by the Russian government and funded by the Ministry of Defense and VTB Bank. This situation reveals Russia's complicity and knowledge regarding the use of forced labor in its drone production.
Exploiting African women in this way is consistent with Russia’s colonial policies in Africa. While Moscow criticizes Western nations for colonialism in its propaganda, it actively exploits not only Africa's natural resources but also its vulnerable populations through deceit and coercion.
This human trafficking scenario contributes to Russia’s labor shortages caused by the mobilization of citizens for the war in Ukraine, a conflict also driven by colonial motivations. The lack of response from the governments of the affected African countries is concerning, suggesting tacit complicity in this trafficking
