Nine Foreign Nationals Arrested in South Africa Over Alleged Plan to Join Russia-Ukraine War

Nine foreign nationals have been arrested in South Africa following an investigation into an alleged attempt to leave the country to participate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested on Sunday, 8 November 2026, at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, Johannesburg.

According to South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, the arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation involving local and international law enforcement agencies.

The suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of South Africa when officers moved in and apprehended them.

INTERPOL and Hawks involved in investigation

The operation involved INTERPOL, the Hawks' Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Germiston, South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and other international law enforcement agencies.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the multidisciplinary team acted on intelligence gathered during the investigation.

The operation resulted in the arrest of all nine suspects at the airport and hotel.

Acting Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, commended the participating law enforcement agencies for their coordinated efforts.

Suspects face charges under South African law

The nine foreign nationals are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court.

They are expected to face charges relating to the alleged contravention of South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.

The legislation regulates the provision of foreign military assistance and certain military-related activities involving foreign states or armed groups.

Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the nationalities of the nine suspects or provided detailed information about who allegedly organised their travel.

Concerns over recruitment into foreign conflicts

The arrests come amid growing scrutiny of alleged recruitment networks targeting individuals to participate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

South Africa has previously investigated cases involving citizens allegedly recruited to travel to Russia under promises of employment before becoming involved in the war.

The latest arrests highlight the growing attention being given to recruitment activities and attempts by individuals to join foreign military operations.

For now, investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged recruitment arrangements and the intended role of the suspects.

The nine individuals remain suspects and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.