Thirteen citizens of Uzbekistan rescued from slavery in Ukraine

According to the Kyiv regional prosecutor’s office, a site near Kyiv was discovered where Uzbek nationals were being kept in captivity. Four individuals accused of organizing the scheme are set to face trial, TSN reported.

The organizers included two Chinese citizens, one Uzbek citizen, and a Ukrainian woman, who allegedly recruited people abroad and brought them to Ukraine. Once there, the victims were subjected to forced labor for profit, with the money going to their “masters” rather than the workers themselves.

“According to the investigation, the suspects lured people into slavery by exploiting their vulnerable situation – a lack of housing, jobs, and financial means – through coercion and deception,” the statement said.

The victims were kept under strict control, forced to work, and restricted in their movements.

“They were subjected to extreme humiliation – even visits to the toilet were only allowed according to a set schedule, and minor violations resulted in fines,” the report added.

Law enforcement officials discovered the suspects’ residences and facilities, including rooms where 13 Uzbek citizens were being kept in inhumane conditions. Documents, money, and vehicles were also seized at the scene.

The four detained individuals are suspected of committing particularly serious crimes, and the issue of pretrial detention is currently under consideration.