HARARE — A Russian national appeared in court on Wednesday charged with human trafficking after allegedly facilitating a Zimbabwean man’s travel to Russia.
Leonid Koftev, 36, appeared before Harare magistrate Jessie Kufa facing additional charges of failing to comply with immigration conditions and operating an unregistered employment agency. He was remanded in custody to June 9.
The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that Koftev was intercepted at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday while facilitating the victim’s travel to Russia.
Prosecutors did not specify what conduct underpins the trafficking charge, though Zimbabwe has emerged as a target for Russian military recruiters in recent months.
In April, Information minister Zhemu Soda said at least 18 Zimbabweans had been killed fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with at least 63 others still in the conflict zone.
According to court papers, detectives received information that Koftev was working in connivance with an accomplice identified only as “Constantine”, said to be based in Russia, to recruit Zimbabweans to travel to the country.
Koftev arrived in Zimbabwe on May 28 on a 30-day holiday visa and stayed in Mandara, Harare. Prosecutors allege he recruited one victim and arranged a Russian e-visa, airline tickets and hotel accommodation, scheduling his departure on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
On Monday, Koftev allegedly collected the victim from Budiriro and drove him to the airport. Detectives intercepted the pair and recovered the victim’s Russian e-visa, air tickets and hotel booking confirmation from Koftev’s possession.
The State opposed bail, arguing Koftev is a flight risk given his foreign connections and could interfere with witnesses and investigations.
