A 25-year-old man from Haryana has returned home after spending over three months in what he described as “hell-like conditions” in a Russian detention facility, shedding light on the risks faced by youth falling prey to fraudulent overseas job agents.
Promised job turns into ordeal
Deepak had travelled to Moscow in April 2025 after paying ₹4 lakh to a travel agent who promised him a job with a monthly salary of ₹90,000. However, after working for a month, he was allegedly dismissed without pay. A second job arranged by the agent yielded only ₹5,000 after a month’s work, leaving him unable to pay rent.
His landlord reportedly confiscated his passport and handed him over to the police, triggering a chain of events that led to his detention.
Allegations of torture and inhuman conditions
Deepak recounted severe mistreatment during his custody. He alleged that during three days in a Moscow police station, he was given only water and subjected to electric shocks when he requested basic necessities such as using the toilet. He further claimed that such torture continued during his detention.
Later, he was moved to an immigration detention centre where around 150 Indians, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, were held along with detainees from other countries.
Food conditions were also distressing, he said, with boiled beef being served regularly, forcing many Indian detainees to survive mainly on bread.
Intervention brings relief
Deepak’s release was facilitated after his family reached out to Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal on February 2. Following his intervention, Deepak returned to India on February 17 and visited Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab to express his gratitude.
Warning against illegal migration routes
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of illegal or poorly verified overseas employment channels. Seechewal has urged youth and families to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to fraudulent agents promising lucrative jobs abroad.
A cautionary tale for job seekers
Deepak’s experience stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by job seekers pursuing opportunities overseas without proper verification. Authorities continue to stress the importance of legal documentation, verified recruitment agencies, and awareness to prevent such incidents.