Several South African influencers are facing scrutiny after promoting what authorities now call a possible Russia internship scam.
Russia internship scam under investigation
The so-called “Start Program” claimed to offer young women two years of training, job opportunities, housing, and even language classes in Russia.
However, officials are warning that the program may actually be linked to human trafficking and forced labour at a drone factory in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan.
Videos promoting the program, shared on Instagram and TikTok, targeted mostly young women in South Africa. One of the influencers involved is Cyan Boujee, who has since deleted the promotional clips from her platforms.
What the Start Program claims to be
In her video, influencer Cyan told her followers:
“I am in Russia, the Republic of Tatarstan, very excited to be here. This is where the ‘Start Programme’ takes place. Apparently, girls are treated fairly here. Africans, Asians, Latin Americans… They are given housing, jobs and on top of that they are taught how to speak Russian.”
She described the program as an initiative to help women gain a profession and move up in their careers every six months with better pay and new skills.
But investigations suggest that many of the recruits are not placed in hospitality or office jobs as promised. Instead, most are sent to assemble drones used in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Warnings from South African officials
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued a strong warning against falling for these foreign job offers.
DIRCO Head of Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, said:
“Please warn young people, girls in particular, not to fall for unverified foreign job offers. Some are being promoted by influencers on TikTok and Instagram. Human trafficking syndicates lure people into slave-like conditions. If something looks too good to be true, get a second opinion.”
Former DA MP Phumzile Van Damme also raised alarm, urging the media and the public to investigate what she called a program with “all the markers of a human trafficking operation and modern slavery arrangements.”
Drone factory link raises red flags
According to Bloomberg, the Alabuga factory in Tatarstan — one of Russia’s biggest drone manufacturers — has been actively recruiting young women from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The factory is believed to produce up to 200 Shahed-style drones per month, which are then used by Russia in its war on Ukraine.
Reports say more than 90% of young women recruited into the program end up in drone assembly lines, often working in harsh conditions with little protection.
The Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security has warned that these women are effectively being put in the middle of a war effort, making them vulnerable and exploited.
South Africa responds to Russia internship scam
South Africa’s government has confirmed that it is investigating the so-called Russia internship scam. Officials may even summon Russian diplomats for answers.
DIRCO has reminded citizens not to rely on social media for job opportunities and instead to verify any offers through official government channels or embassies.
Authorities are also urging young people to report suspicious recruitment programs.
International police agency Interpol has already launched a probe in Botswana, and similar investigations are underway in Argentina and other countries.
In 2024, the Associated Press reported testimonies from young African women who said they were deceived into working in drone assembly plants instead of hospitality roles.
They described harsh working conditions, low pay, and exposure to dangerous substances.