4 Stranded Indians in Russia, Duped by YouTuber, Forced to Join Wagner Group to Fight in Ukraine War

Four Indian nationals, three youth from Karnataka’s Kalaburagi and one from Telangana, have been stranded in conflict-ridden Russia and forced to fight the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war after falling prey to a job racket.

In a video shared by one of the stranded youngsters, an individual named Sayyad Iliyaz Hussaini is seen appealing for their rescue. The person, dressed in military outfit, shows the place around him and alleges that they were being conned into working for the Wagner group.

Sayyad Iliyaz Hussaini claimed that he had come to Russia after being promised a security job by an agent named Baba, who runs a YouTube channel called “Baba Vlogs.” According to Iliyaz, Baba had assured them of security jobs and took Rs 3 lakh from them. However, upon arriving in Russia, they were unexpectedly enlisted in the army. Iliyaz stated, “He has an office in Dubai.”

The four victims, originally employed at Emirates airport in Dubai, came across Baba’s YouTube channel, where they were lured with the promise of security guard positions. Subsequently, they applied for visas and left from India on December 18, flying from Chennai to Moscow via Sharjah. After a few days, they were relocated and forced into weapon training against their will. Despite attempting to contact the agent, their efforts proved futile.

Iliyaz’s parents have reached out to Kalaburagi district commissioner and the district in-charge and Priyank Kharge for their help to bring their son back.

“The agents have defrauded our children. We are worried about this. We request the central government, state government and Jaishankar sir to ensure that our children will return safely,” expressed Iliyaz’s father.

Kalaburagi district in-charge and Congress minister Priyank Kharge, who is in touch with the parents of the victims, has assured that he will contact the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and has promised the ‘safe and quick return’ not only of the four individuals but also of all Indian nationals stranded in Russia.

“I believe not only Kalaburgi but from Telangana also individuals have been duped and conned into waging a war in Russia, this has come to our notice. I’ve requested Mr Mallikarjun Kharge to speak to MEA to rescue not only people of Karnataka and Telangana but also all people who have been connected into waging this war,” the Congress minister stated.