Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP)’s Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Directorate of the Criminal Investigation Agency officially named 13 suspects in a transnational human trafficking case involving recruitment as foreign mercenaries in Russia, official sources reported in Jakarta on Monday (2/11/2026).

"The suspects exploited social media platforms and messaging apps to offer bogus overseas jobs promising signing bonuses of up to US$35,000 and monthly salaries of US$3,000," said Director  of Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Brigadier General Nurul Azizah during a press briefing.

Investigations revealed that victims, totaling 58 individuals across multiple regional police reports, including former security personnel, were initially lured with logistics and border security positions, as reported by antaranews.com. However, upon arrival abroad, they were coerced into signing contracts as armed mercenaries. 

The suspects face severe charges under the Human Trafficking Crime Law and the Migrant Worker Protection Law, carrying long prison sentences as authorities urge public vigilance against online job scams.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)