Cuba says its citizens were recruited to fight with Russia in Ukraine — but the government is only cracking down now 'because they got caught,' former counterintelligence officer says

The Cuban government says it's cracking down on groups recruiting Cubans to fight for Russia in Ukraine, but experts believe the government was likely involved.
Criminal proceedings have begun against a network blamed for recruiting Cuban mercenaries.
Experts say it's impossible major criminal enterprises could operate in Cuba without government knowledge.
Hacked emails show Russian officers offered Cubans money to fight in Ukraine.
Cuba has long ties with Russia dating back to the Cold War and has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

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Cuba has uncovered and dismantled a human trafficking network in Russia that aimed to recruit Cuban citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine, with criminal proceedings initiated against those involved in the operation.

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Cuba Arrests 17 for Recruiting Cubans as Mercenaries to Fight for Russia in Ukraine

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Cuba Allows Citizens to Legally Fight for Russia in Ukraine, But Cracks Down on Trafficking Ring

Cuba is not opposed to its citizens legally participating in Russia's war in Ukraine, according to the Cuban envoy to Moscow, despite recent crackdowns on trafficking Cubans to fight for the Kremlin.

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Posted 9/7/2023, 1:53:00 AM