Using BRICS, the rf Recruits Women from Poor Countries to Manufacture Drones

russia is actively expanding its recruitment efforts for drone manufacturing in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, using the “Alabuga” special economic zone in Tatarstan as the center of the program. Young women from poor countries are offered high salaries and career prospects, but are not told that the work involves the production of strike drones to be used against Ukraine.

In 2024, women from 44 countries, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali, and Sri Lanka, participated in the “Start” program. The goal for 2025 is 77 countries.

In South Africa, BRICS structures were used for recruitment. The Ministry of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities called on young people to “be vigilant”, while the authorities launched an investigation into the activities of russian companies. The local branch of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signed an agreement to recruit 5,600 employees for “Alabuga”. The BRICS Student Commission posted job ads in January, and popular bloggers on Instagram and TikTok helped spread the word.

russia is facing a labor shortage due to mobilization, demographic decline, and restrictions on labor migration from Central Asia. “Alabuga” is building housing for 41,000 people, which indicates large-scale plans for drone production. More than 90 % of “Start” program participants already work in this sector.

In 2024, there were cases where African women were lured with promises of paid internships in the hotel business, but upon arrival were forced to assemble drones for lower wages and in inhumane conditions. This year, Interpol has launched an investigation in Botswana into “Alabuga Start” on suspicion of human trafficking. In Argentina, a lawsuit was filed against two former participants of the TV show who filmed commercials for the program.