A Nigerian professor has been detained in Russia for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry and transit of immigrants from Africa through Russia to European Union countries.
This follows an announcement by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on Thursday, stating that its agents had dismantled a migrant smuggling network reportedly led by the Nigerian academic.
According to the Moscow Times, the suspect is a senior lecturer at the engineering academy of the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).
The FSB revealed that the operation targeted an inter-regional group involved in the illegal entry and transit of African immigrants through Russia to Europe.
Although the Nigerian professor’s identity has not been disclosed, the FSB confirmed the detention of five key members of the smuggling network, which included individuals from Russia, Nigeria, and Ukraine.
Investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices.
The smuggling ring is accused of generating at least $650,000 since 2021 through the sale of fraudulent Russian residence permits and visas.