JOHANNESBURG - A Russian jobs programme has allegedly trapped young South African women in forced labour camps and slave-like conditions.
Reports say Alabuga Start is linked to human trafficking.
Local influencers are accused of luring young women abroad with false promises of skills and employment.
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Recruitment specialist from Empire Recruitment SA Trinish Screeramalu, says the fact that the programme made use of social media influencers as a recruitment strategy, was already a red flag.
This adds to another concern, that only women between the ages of 18 and 22 were being targeted, raising more questions.
“This to me does not feel like a specialised skill of an international company wanting to recruit internationally, looking for specialised skills. I feel like they prey on young, vulnerable job seekers, specifically women,” she says
Screeramalu urges job seekers to be vigilant and also ensure they verify companies and that profiles are credible.
Since the news broke, some influences who promoted the recruitment, have since apologised on their platforms,
warning people to stay away from the Alabuga Start programme.