MIREX urges caution over job offers sending Dominicans to Russia

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) warned Dominican citizens about alleged job offers to travel to Russia that could be fraudulent recruitment schemes linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

In a statement issued September 24, the ministry urged citizens to exercise extreme caution before accepting employment offers that involve traveling abroad, particularly when recruitment is conducted exclusively online or through intermediaries whose credentials cannot be verified.

MIREX recommended that applicants verify the origin of the offer, the identity of the employer and the terms of any employment contract before making travel arrangements or signing documents.

The warning follows complaints involving Dominicans who allegedly traveled to Russia under the impression that they had accepted civilian employment, only to become involved with the Russian Armed Forces.

One of the most publicized cases is that of Juan Carlos Ávila Espaillat, a 28-year-old from Higüey who reportedly traveled to Russia after receiving a job offer. According to his account, he later signed a military contract and was sent to the front lines of the conflict with Ukraine.

Ávila Espaillat subsequently shared videos from a military hospital in which he described suffering severe leg injuries in an attack involving drones and landmines. His case has drawn attention to the risks associated with alleged recruitment schemes targeting Dominicans with offers of employment in Russia.

MIREX said it will provide consular assistance to Dominican citizens who, after accepting deceptive employment offers, find themselves in vulnerable or high-risk situations abroad.

The ministry reiterated its recommendation that citizens thoroughly investigate international job offers and the parties involved before agreeing to travel.