Le Monde: Did Russia Run a Recruitment Drive in South Africa Resembling Human Trafficking?

The French newspaper Le Monde has reported that South African influencers are accused of encouraging young women to travel to Tatarstan to assemble drones, by promoting the Russian “Alabuga Start” program for young professionals.

The report, authored by Mathilde Boussion, opens with South African TikTok influencer Aya Langa, who has 1.7 million followers, saying: “I am in shock, believe me… I had no idea about these schemes.” In an emotional video, Langa explained how she had been misled into promoting a recruitment program that sent young South African women to Tatarstan, Russia, to work on drone production.

Following government warnings, more than ten South African content creators have deleted videos promoting the Russian program. Authorities in Pretoria have confirmed they are conducting an “active investigation” into “foreign programs” accused of luring young South African women “under false pretenses.”

According to testimonies cited by Le Monde, upon arrival in Russia the women’s passports are confiscated, and they are subjected to conditions resembling forced labor.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is investigating the “Alabuga Start” program, launched in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan—a military-industrial complex accused of recruiting African workers to manufacture drones used by the Russian army in Ukraine.

Influencers who promoted the initiative were reportedly promised airfare to Russia, vocational training, Russian-language courses, accommodation, and employment opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and production—on the condition that the recruits were women aged between 18 and 22.

Some influencers, including Siyan Boji, even traveled to Tatarstan. In a since-deleted video, she reassured viewers that “the girls are being treated well” and claimed that wages would increase every six months, albeit “under constant supervision.”

But South Africa’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, warned that “the reality is the opposite of what was promised.” He cited the case of a woman who contacted the South African embassy in Moscow, “begging to be allowed to leave.”

Monyela added: “The testimonies we have indicate that the girls’ passports are confiscated on arrival. They live in conditions akin to slavery, are only allowed to call their families once a month under supervision to reassure them falsely, and are otherwise cut off from the outside world.”

According to an investigation by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, most of these women are directly involved in drone manufacturing, exposed to toxic chemicals and even Ukrainian drone strikes that have reached the region. The report also highlights mistreatment, racism, and constant surveillance, concluding that “the deceptive recruitment practices and oppressive working conditions amount to fraudulent exploitation.”

Monyela described the situation as “technically human trafficking.” South African authorities are now examining video promotions of the program, which triggered widespread alarm online. Influencers involved in the campaign said they faced a flood of comments demanding explanations, and many deleted their posts to avoid being linked to human trafficking.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Ministry of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities expressed “deep concern” about the Russian offers targeting young South African women and emphasized that the supposed “job opportunities in Russia” had no involvement or endorsement from the South African government.

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