Cuba is working on dismantling a human trafficking network operating from Russia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba has issued a statement in response to recent accusations of its alleged involvement in human trafficking operations for the purpose of military recruitment to Ukraine, clarifying the position of the Caribbean nation.

In an official statement, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior confirmed that it has detected and is taking strong measures to neutralize and dismantle a human trafficking network operating from Russia.

Esta red se ha centrado en reclutar ciudadanos cubanos que residen en Rusia y, en algunos casos, incluso individuos provenientes de Cuba, con el objetivo de incorporarlos a las fuerzas militares involucradas en el conflicto bélico en Ucrania.

The Cuban authorities have managed to neutralize several attempts of this nature and have initiated criminal proceedings against the individuals involved in these illicit activities.

The statement highlights Cuba's commitment to the fight against human trafficking and mercenarism, reiterating its historical stance against these practices.

The statement also emphasizes that Cuba is not part of the armed conflict in Ukraine and is willing to take measures against those who, from national territory, participate in any form of human trafficking for the purposes of recruitment or mercenarism, especially when this involves Cuban citizens using weapons against other countries.

In response to the accusations, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced that this information aims to tarnish the country's image and portray it as an accomplice to these actions, something they categorically reject.

Additionally, the active role of Cuba in the United Nations was highlighted, where it has been the author of several initiatives approved in repudiation of mercenarism.

Cuba emphasizes its commitment to peace and its firm stance against any form of involvement in armed conflicts.

The Caribbean nation insists on its determination to take strong measures to prevent and combat human trafficking for military purposes and mercenarism in all its forms.

The statement was issued from Havana on September 4, 2023.