Russian soldiers, promised rewards for their service in Ukraine, are returning home not as heroes but as victims of scams and robberies. As reported by the BBC, cases of soldiers being robbed of their salaries and bonuses by corrupt officials have emerged, highlighting a troubling trend in the aftermath of the Ukrainian conflict.
Russian Servicemen Encounter Scams and Robbery upon Returning from Ukraine
Russian Servicemen Encounter Scams and Robbery upon Returning from Ukraine
Reports reveal that returning Russian soldiers face scams and theft, undermining President Putin's promises of hero's treatment.
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Since the onset of the invasion in February 2022, the Russian military has expanded significantly, with financial incentives offered to attract volunteers. Notably, soldiers like 39-year-old Nikita Khursa, who fought for monetary rewards, have been vulnerable to exploitation upon returning home. After suffering an injury on the battlefield, Khursa and his wife planned to use his bonus to purchase an apartment. However, a drunken escapade led to a confrontation with corrupt police officers who took nearly all of his compensation, amounting to 2.66 million roubles (£24,000).
Corruption doesn't stop there; police officers at Moscow airports are reportedly tipping off taxi drivers to exploit returning soldiers, resulting in outrageous fare demands. Many soldiers have also found their salaries pilfered before even reaching their own hands. Instances of recruitment center staff stealing millions, as well as commanders demanding soldiers’ bank details for personal gain, illustrate the rampant misconduct.
Khursa attempted to report his robbers but found that justice eluded him when the officers were able to evade prosecution by enlisting to fight in Ukraine. With no hope of recovering his stolen money, Khursa now faces an uncertain future, divided from his wife and uncertain about his own military service. "Only the army saves you, puts a roof over your head," he reflected amid these challenges, establishing a painful reality for many who took the risk to serve.
Since the onset of the invasion in February 2022, the Russian military has expanded significantly, with financial incentives offered to attract volunteers. Notably, soldiers like 39-year-old Nikita Khursa, who fought for monetary rewards, have been vulnerable to exploitation upon returning home. After suffering an injury on the battlefield, Khursa and his wife planned to use his bonus to purchase an apartment. However, a drunken escapade led to a confrontation with corrupt police officers who took nearly all of his compensation, amounting to 2.66 million roubles (£24,000).
Corruption doesn't stop there; police officers at Moscow airports are reportedly tipping off taxi drivers to exploit returning soldiers, resulting in outrageous fare demands. Many soldiers have also found their salaries pilfered before even reaching their own hands. Instances of recruitment center staff stealing millions, as well as commanders demanding soldiers’ bank details for personal gain, illustrate the rampant misconduct.
Khursa attempted to report his robbers but found that justice eluded him when the officers were able to evade prosecution by enlisting to fight in Ukraine. With no hope of recovering his stolen money, Khursa now faces an uncertain future, divided from his wife and uncertain about his own military service. "Only the army saves you, puts a roof over your head," he reflected amid these challenges, establishing a painful reality for many who took the risk to serve.
