Three Dominicans detained in Panama over alleged recruitment for Russia-Ukraine war

Panama.- Three Dominican citizens have been placed in provisional detention in Panama while authorities investigate their alleged involvement in recruiting Panamanians to travel to Russia for military-related activities in the war against Ukraine.

A Panamanian judge ordered the detention of Joselyn Ramírez, Rolando Newball and María Inés García on September 25 after prosecutors charged them with organized crime and human trafficking for labor exploitation. Panama’s Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation involves alleged recruitment through social media for forced military work in Russia.

According to prosecutors, the three suspects allegedly received more than US$800,000 in transfers connected to the recruitment activities. The investigation indicates that potential recruits were contacted through platforms such as TikTok and offered payments of between US$2,000 and US$3,000 to travel to Russia.

Authorities allege that three Panamanians from Bocas del Toro were persuaded to travel to Panama City to obtain passports, purchase airline tickets and complete documents related to their supposed employment in the conflict.

Two of the men reportedly left the accommodation where they were staying and contacted police after becoming suspicious about the situation. A third, identified as José Montenegro, traveled to Russia but allegedly did not receive the US$2,000 he had been promised. He later sought assistance from Panama’s Foreign Ministry and was repatriated.

Prosecutors have identified Ramírez as the alleged leader of the group and claim she traveled to Colombia, where she received instructions and money connected to the operation. These allegations remain part of an ongoing investigation.

Judge Luis Ceballos determined that the evidence presented by prosecutors warranted provisional detention while the case proceeds. The defense argued that the measure was excessive because the investigation remains in its early stages and prosecutors had not yet established the existence of a criminal network dedicated to labor exploitation.

Panama’s Public Prosecutor’s Office said the broader investigation has resulted in charges against six people allegedly connected to the recruitment of Panamanians for military activities in Russia. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recruitment and the possible involvement of additional victims.