A Nigerian professor has been detained on suspicion of aiding the illegal entry and transit of African immigrants through Russia to European Union countries.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) revealed on Thursday that they have dismantled a migrant smuggling network, allegedly led by the professor.
According to the Moscow Times, the professor, who remains unnamed, is a senior lecturer at the engineering academy of the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).
The FSB stated that the operation targeted a group involved in facilitating the illegal movement of African immigrants through Russia towards Europe.
While the professor’s identity has not been disclosed, the FSB confirmed the arrest of five key members of the network, which includes citizens from Russia, Nigeria, and Ukraine.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover additional accomplices, and authorities claim the smuggling ring has generated at least $650,000 since 2021 by providing fraudulent Russian residence permits and visas.
