Sri Lankan Navy Vets Duped into Mercenary Service Abroad

COLOMBO (News 1st); A recent disclosure has uncovered a human trafficking scheme including retired military personnel from Sri Lanka's armed forces.

These individuals were deceived into believing they would receive significant benefits, including high salaries and citizenship, by joining Russian and Ukrainian forces.

They were sent on tourist visas and subsequently deployed for frontline combat in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Former military personnel, lured to Russia and Ukraine on tourist visas, are being recruited into mercenary forces without offering the promised salaries or benefits.

It is reported that they face extreme weather, minimal support infrastructure and even without communication means. Reports also indicate serious injuries and some fatalities in the harsh war zones, lacking basic facilities.

The Navy urges retired naval personnel not to consider accepting such opportunities, as they would lead to jeopardizing their hard-earned privileges and assets, which are a result of their dedicated service to the motherland. Also, choosing to reside far away from home without the support of near and dear ones can lead to challenging circumstances.

Moreover, the Navy urges the public to reach out to Navy Headquarters at 0117192142 or 0117192250 if they possess any information about individuals, active-duty military personnel or any other person involved in this human trafficking act or aiding such activities.

Source: Sri Lanka Navy