Hawks arrest nine foreign nationals allegedly bound for Russia-Ukraine war

Nine foreign nationals have been arrested in Gauteng over an alleged attempt to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested during a coordinated operation at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma on Sunday night.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of the country when they were apprehended.

The arrests followed a multidisciplinary investigation involving INTERPOL, the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Germiston, international law enforcement agencies, SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and private security companies.

The operation was launched after intelligence gathered during the investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly preparing to leave the country.

The nine are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court, where they are expected to face charges relating to the alleged contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.

The Act regulates the provision of military assistance to foreign states and parties and places restrictions on South African involvement in foreign military activities.

Acting Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, commended the multidisciplinary team for its coordination and the successful intervention.

“The Hawks reiterate their commitment to working with local and international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and ensure compliance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa,” the directorate said.

The investigation remains ongoing.