Zimbabwean authorities have charged four men in connection with a suspected human trafficking operation that allegedly sent local citizens to Russia under false job promises. The suspects appeared before magistrate Jesse Kufa at the Harare Magistrates' Court.

The accused—Obert Hlavati, Tonderai Maphosa, Tanaka Malcon Gwarada, and Edson Nyamudeza are facing charges under Zimbabwe’s Trafficking in Persons Act. Prosecutors allege they helped move five Zimbabweans to Russia, where the victims were reportedly forced into military roles connected to the war in Ukraine.

According to state allegations, the scheme ran between February and March 2026 and involved a Russian national identified only as Ivan. Victims were promised lucrative jobs as firefighters, but investigators say the offers were a cover for exploitation.

Authorities said Ivan used social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp to identify recruits before referring them to Gwarada, an InDrive driver who allegedly finalized the recruitment process.

Prosecutors say Gwarada received more than $8,000 through EcoCash and a bureau de change in Harare while coordinating the operation. The recruits were then transported to hotels and lodges in the city’s central business district while awaiting travel arrangements.

The court heard that Maphosa handled logistics including food and accommodation, while Hlavati escorted the victims to passport offices and medical centers for documentation. Once preparations were complete, the recruits were taken to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport for their departure.

Investigators allege that Nyamudeza, an airport official, facilitated their movement through the airport by handling airline tickets and other procedures. Authorities say the case highlights the growing risks of international trafficking networks targeting vulnerable job seekers.