By Shexroz Jalg
Copyright qalampir
Authorities in Ukraine’s Kyiv region have uncovered 13 Uzbek citizens being held under harsh conditions for forced labor, the regional prosecutor’s office reported.
According to the investigation, two Chinese nationals, one Uzbek, and one Ukrainian woman were detained. They are suspected of organizing the transport of the 13 Uzbek nationals to Ukraine for forced labor (under Article 149, part 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code).
Investigators revealed that the suspects recruited socially vulnerable individuals, those without housing or employment and in difficult financial situations, through coercion and deception. The victims were initially found outside Ukraine and later brought to the Kyiv region to be exploited for labor.
Methods of violence and restriction of freedom were used to control the captives. The level of mistreatment was so severe that even trips to the restroom were permitted only according to a strict schedule, and any minor infraction was punished.
On September 17, law enforcement authorities conducted searches at the suspects’ residences and business premises. During the inspection, investigators found 13 Uzbek citizens held in harsh and inhumane conditions, along with documents, cash, and vehicles.
Four individuals have been detained and charged with committing serious crimes, and precautionary measures are being considered. Initial investigative actions are ongoing in the case.
It is worth noting that earlier, a video circulated on social media claiming that an Uzbek citizen had been held for 45 days in a temporary detention facility for foreign nationals in Kazan, Russia. However, it was later clarified that the citizen was not in Kazan but in the Ozinsky district of the Saratov region. Administrative measures were applied under Article 18.8, part 1.1 of the Russian Federation Code on Administrative Offenses (violation of the stay regime), and a decision was made for the person’s compulsory removal from Russian territory.
