Thrissur Rural SP on Saturday confirmed the arrest of two individuals for facilitating human trafficking into the Russian army. The accused, Sandeep Thomas (40) from Ernakulam and Sumesh Antony (40), also known as Steve, from Thrissur, were apprehended by Wadakkanchery police.

Sandeep, who has been living in Russia, is believed to be the prime conspirator. Using his network, he recruited individuals from various districts in Kerala. Meanwhile, Sumesh acted as an intermediary, operating from Chalakudy, Thrissur. The duo lured locals with false promises of employment as canteen workers and electricians.

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Those cheated included Santosh Shanmughan from Kodakara, Renil Thomas from Ernakulam, Sandeep Chandran from Kallur, Binil Babu from Kuttanellur, and Jain Kurian from Kuranchery. Among them, Binil and Jain were reportedly connected to the operation through a relative named Sibi, who worked in a Russian military office.

Upon arriving in Russia, the recruits were taken to a military camp where their passports were confiscated and replaced with Russian ones. Initially assigned to civilian jobs, they were later forced into combat. Many sent desperate video messages seeking help.

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The case came to light after Santosh and Renil escaped and returned to India. Sandeep Chandran was killed in a Ukrainian shell attack, and Binil Babu died in a drone strike. Jain Kurian, who was injured in the same incident, is currently undergoing treatment in a Moscow hospital.  

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