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Cuba earlier this week revealed authorities were working to
"neutralize and dismantle" the network, which it said operated
both on Cuban soil and in Russia.
"As a result of the investigations, 17 people have been arrested
so far, among them the internal organizer of these activities,"
Cesar Rodriguez, a colonel with Cuba´s interior ministry, said
late on Thursday on a TV program.
Rodriguez did not name any of those accused of participating in
the ring, but said the group´s leader relied on two people
residing on the island to recruit Cubans to fight for hire on
behalf of Russia in Ukraine.
Prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes said those involved in the scandal
could be punished with up to 30 years in prison, a life sentence
or the death penalty, depending on the severity and type of
crimes, which range from human trafficking, fighting as a
mercenary and hostile action against a foreign state.
Russia, which has strong political ties with communist-run Cuba,
has long been an important destination for Cuban migrants
seeking to escape economic stagnation at home.
Russian President Vladimir Putin last year signed a decree
allowing foreigners signing up for service in the Russian army
to receive citizenship via a fast-track procedure.
Cuba says it has no part in the war in Ukraine, and that it
rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
(Reporting by Nelson Acosta; Editing by Kim Coghill)
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