An Indian man from Haryana has alleged that he was trafficked into the Russian Army after being duped by agents promising overseas work, highlighting growing concerns over fraudulent recruitment networks exploiting vulnerable job seekers.
A video appeal by Mohammad Javed, a resident of Ramkishan Colony in Ambala, has triggered alarm after he claimed that he was deceived, detained, and forced into the Russian Army under life-threatening conditions.
In the video, Javed identifies himself by name and location, stating that he was sent to Russia through an agent who promised him employment but instead left him trapped in an active conflict zone.
“My life is in danger here,” Javed says, visibly distressed. “Drones and missiles are coming here all the time. It is very difficult for me to survive.” He alleges that he was handed a gun and deployed after being taken into custody by Russian authorities, leaving him with no means to return home.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, has intensified concerns about Indian nationals allegedly being trafficked or coerced into foreign military service under false pretences.
The Instagram account for Javed has posts where family pleads for safety.
Allegations Against Recruitment Agents
Javed claims that he paid ₹4.5 lakh to two agents-named as Mark Visawala and Majinder Singh from Mohali-who allegedly promised him a legitimate job abroad.
“He called me brother and took ₹4.5 lakh. He ruined my home and family,” Javed says in the video, accusing the agents of betraying his trust and exploiting his financial vulnerability.
According to Javed, the promise of work quickly turned into a nightmare once he reached Russia. He alleges that instead of being employed in a civilian role, he was detained and then inducted into the Russian Army.
“The police caught me and sent me to the Russian Army where I was sent for work,” he says, describing a process he claims was neither voluntary nor transparent.
While these allegations are yet to be independently verified, similar accounts from other Indian nationals have emerged in recent months, pointing to a worrying pattern of fraudulent overseas recruitment.
Growing Pattern of Overseas Job Scams
Javed’s case is not an isolated one. Over the past year, multiple reports have surfaced of Indian men-particularly from Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh-being lured abroad with promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves stranded, detained, or forced into military-related roles.
In several instances, families back in India have alleged that their relatives were trafficked using tourist or student visas and later coerced into signing contracts they did not fully understand.
Some families have also accused agents of disappearing after payments were made, leaving victims without legal or financial support.
The Indian government has previously acknowledged receiving complaints related to Indians allegedly recruited into the Russian Army under misleading circumstances. These cases have raised serious questions about the regulation of overseas recruitment agents and the enforcement of existing migration safeguards.
Government Response and Ongoing Efforts
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has, in earlier statements on similar cases, said it is “actively engaging with Russian authorities” to seek the release and safe return of Indian nationals allegedly recruited under false pretences.
The MEA has also reiterated that Indian citizens should exercise caution and verify overseas job offers through authorised recruitment agencies and official government portals.
Indian law enforcement agencies, including state police units, have registered FIRs in several cases against suspected agents involved in overseas job scams. Officials have stated that investigations are ongoing to identify recruitment networks operating across states and international borders.
While no specific official statement has yet been issued regarding Javed’s case, sources indicate that authorities typically rely on diplomatic channels and victim verification before initiating rescue or repatriation processes.
Families Left in Fear and Uncertainty
Behind every such case lies a family grappling with fear, debt, and helplessness. Javed’s statement that the agents “ruined my home and family” reflects the broader social impact of such scams, where families often mortgage land or borrow heavily to fund overseas opportunities.
For families watching these distress videos from thousands of kilometres away, the emotional toll is immense. With limited access to reliable information and slow-moving international processes, many are left waiting anxiously for news, relying on social media to amplify their pleas for help.
Activists and migrant rights groups have repeatedly called for faster intervention mechanisms and better support systems for families of Indians stranded abroad in crisis situations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Mohammad Javed’s appeal is a grim reminder of how desperation for employment can be exploited by unscrupulous agents, turning dreams of a better life into nightmares played out in war zones.
No Indian should be deceived, detained, or forced to risk their life due to fraudulent promises and regulatory failures.
Stronger action against illegal recruitment networks, improved awareness among job seekers, and compassionate, swift diplomatic intervention are urgently needed.
