Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A RUSSIAN national has appeared in court facing human trafficking allegations in which he is alleged to have recruited a Zimbabwean man to Russia.
Leonid Koftev (36) appeared before Harare magistrate, Jessie Kufa, facing further charges of failing to comply with immigration conditions and conducting an unregistered employment agency.
He was remanded in custody to June 9.
The State alleges that Koftev was intercepted at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday while he was allegedly facilitating the victim’s travel to Russia.
According to court papers, detectives received information that Koftev, allegedly working in connivance with an accomplice identified only as “Constantine”, who is said to be based in Russia, was recruiting Zimbabweans to the Eastern European country.
Prosecutors allege that Koftev arrived in Zimbabwe on May 28, on a 30-day holiday visa and stayed in Mandara, Harare.
It is further alleged that he allegedly recruited one victim and arranged a Russian e-visa, airline tickets and hotel accommodation before scheduling his departure aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The court heard that on Monday, Koftev allegedly collected the victim from Budiriro and transported him to the airport to facilitate the trip.
Detectives intercepted the pair at the airport and recovered the victim’s Russian e-visa, air tickets and hotel booking reservations from Koftev.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Koftev is a flight risk due to his foreign links and could interfere with witnesses and investigations.
