Thiruvanantapuram — Police arrested a third person Sunday in connection with trafficking Keralites to the Russian Army, bringing the total number of arrests to three.

The accused, Sibi P.O., a Thrissur resident, is alleged to have played a role in recruiting young men under false pretenses of lucrative jobs in Russia.

The arrests follow the earlier apprehension of Sandeep Thomas, 40, of Ernakulam, and Sumesh Antony, 40, of Thrissur, on Saturday. Police allege the trio operated together to deceive individuals seeking employment abroad. The accused face charges under the Emigration Act for human trafficking and cheating.

The investigation was launched after Joicy John, widow of Binil T.B., filed a complaint. Binil, a Thrissur native, was killed in a drone attack while serving in the Russian Military Support Service. He and a relative, Jayin Kurien, traveled to Russia in April to work as plumbers and electricians. However, their passports were confiscated upon arrival, and they were forced into military service.

Police said Binil and Jayin were among several Indian youths lured with promises of non-military jobs such as electricians, cooks, plumbers, and drivers. Sandeep Thomas, who has been living in Russia, is believed to have orchestrated the recruitment scheme, leveraging his network in Kerala. Sumesh Antony allegedly acted as an intermediary in Chalakudy, while Sibi assisted in the operations.

The victims were reportedly promised jobs in non-military roles, such as canteen workers and electricians. Upon arrival in Russia, their Indian passports were confiscated, they were forced to obtain permanent residency, and subsequently conscripted into the Russian Army. Some were deployed to the frontlines of the ongoing war.

This marks the second reported death of a Keralite fighting for the Russian Army under similar circumstances. Last August, another Thrissur native, Sandeep, was killed in a drone attack.

Police are continuing their investigation into the recruitment operation, aiming to uncover the full extent of the trafficking ring.