Indian authorities have arrested four people accused of “trafficking” Indian citizens to fight for the Russian army in Ukraine.
At least two Indian soldiers have been killed in Moscow's war with Ukraine, with several recruits previously telling AFP they were sent to the front lines under false pretenses.
A statement released by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) late on Tuesday said four people had been arrested, including one who worked in Russia as a translator for a network facilitating the recruitment of Indian soldiers.
“[The investigation] continues into other defendants who are part of this international network of human traffickers,” the statement said.
The arrests come two months after investigators conducted raids in 13 locations in India and detained several people for questioning.
The CBI then said it had found at least 35 cases of Indians being sent to Russia.
India's Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said it was working to remove about 20 Indian citizens from the Russian army.
Several Indian recruits told AFP in February that they were lured to join Moscow's armed forces with promises of high salaries and Russian passports before being sent to the front lines.
The soldiers said they were promised non-combat roles but were trained to use Kalashnikovs and other weapons.
India is a long-time ally of Russia and has avoided explicitly condemning the invasion of Ukraine.