LIMA — The Peruvian Public Ministry announced an investigation into the recruitment of Peruvian citizens by Russian agents, describing the activity as human trafficking. Authorities are investigating 36 complaints alleging relatives were deceived by false job offers for transportation out of the country to fight on the front lines in Ukraine despite promises of non-combat roles.

Norma last saw her 31-year-old son in late January at an airport in Lima. He told her he had secured a job as a cook for the Russian Army and would be far from the conflict. "Quería encerrarlo en la casa, pero él ya había tomado una decisión," Norma said. Her son asked her not to embarrass him, stating, "Él me dijo: 'Mamá, por favor, entiende, solo voy como cocinero'."

Norma's son had never left Peru or held a weapon before departing. She later received videos showing him with combat equipment, digging trenches and building shelters with other foreign combatants in a Ukrainian forest. Norma could hear drones exploding during calls. Communications ceased in early April after her son said he was being punished by a commander.

Rosa's 48-year-old husband enrolled through a local recruiter, traveling to Russia with other Peruvians expecting to work as a security guard. He had worked as a prison guard in Lima but had no military experience. WhatsApp messages show he accepted a one-year contract after a recruiter nicknamed 'Vizio' assured him of health insurance and repatriation if injured.

"Nunca le dijeron que iba a ir a la guerra, que iba a tener que sacrificar su vida, que no le iban a pagar," Rosa said. Her husband sent messages describing the situation as "infierno," citing hunger, harsh training and constant drone attacks. On March 26, he told Rosa he was being transferred to collect weapons and belongings, sending a final message: "Los amo mucho a todos. Siempre estarán en mi corazón." Rosa has not received messages since. Companions of her husband informed her he died in a drone attack.

Pedro Bravo, director of Peruvian Communities Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said many recruits have limited resources. "Muchos reclutas tienen recursos limitados y están en urgente necesidad de fondos," Bravo said. He noted they lack understanding of international realities. "No tienen una comprensión muy clara de la realidad internacional," Bravo said, adding, "Es mucho más fácil engañarlos."