Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
Court Reporter
A 20-year-old woman has appeared in court facing human trafficking and labour-related charges after allegedly recruiting Zimbabweans for fake truck driving jobs in Russia before they were subjected to labour exploitation.
Sofia Leonova appeared before the court facing two counts of contravening the Trafficking in Persons Act and conducting an employment agency without registration.
The State alleges that between January and May this year, Leonova acted in connivance with five Russian accomplices identified only as Victor, Marshy, Sam, Phillip and Michael, who are still at large.
Prosecutors allege the group lured victims with promises of lucrative truck driving jobs and favourable working conditions in Russia.
It is alleged Leonova advertised the jobs on Facebook before meeting interested applicants in different parts of Harare, where she allegedly recruited them through deception.
The court heard that she allegedly facilitated medical examinations, air tickets and visas for the victims, and booked accommodation for them at a lodge in Eastlea while they waited to travel.
According to the State, upon arrival in Russia, the victims were received by Leonova’s accomplices, who confiscated their travelling documents before forcing them into labour exploitation linked to the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The matter reportedly came to light after the victims informed their relatives in Zimbabwe about their ordeal, prompting a police report.
Authorities say the victims are still in Russia, while the Department of Social Welfare is working on efforts to repatriate them.
The State further alleges that Leonova had shortlisted another five victims for recruitment, with three rescued at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, while two others were rescued from a lodge in Eastlea, Harare.
Investigations are continuing.
