Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
A 20-year-old woman who was recently arrested for human trafficking after allegedly recruiting Zimbabweans for fake truck driving jobs in Russia has been remanded in custody to June 3, 2026.
The victims were subjected to labour exploitation.
Sofia Leonova appeared before the court on Thursday 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 only identified as Victor, Marshy, Sam, Phillip and Michael.
The five 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 various parts of Harare, where she allegedly recruited them.
The court heard that Leonova allegedly facilitated medical examinations, air tickets and visas for the victims, and booked accommodation for them at a lodge in Eastlea as they waited for their travel dates.
Upon arrival in Russia, the victims were received by Leonova’s accomplices, who confiscated their travelling documents and forced them into labour exploitation.
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 repatriating them.
The State further alleges that Leonova had shortlisted five more victims for recruitment, with three rescued at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, while two others were rescued from a lodge in Eastlea.
Investigations are still in progress.
