Cuba revealed earlier this week that authorities were working to “neutralize and dismantle” the network, which it said operated in both Cuba and Russia.
Photo: Reuters
“According to the results of the investigation, 17 people have been arrested so far, including the internal organizer of these activities,” Cesar Rodriguez, an official at Cuba's Interior Ministry , said late Thursday on state television.
Rodriguez did not name any of those accused, but said the group's leader relied on two people residing in the country to recruit Cubans to fight as mercenaries in the conflict in Ukraine.
Prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes said those involved in the scandal could face up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the severity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree last year allowing foreigners who register to serve in the Russian military to receive citizenship through a fast-track procedure.
Cuba says it is not involved in the war in Ukraine and opposes the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
Hoang Anh (according to Reuters, Al Jazeera)
Source
Comment (0)