Police are investigating Cyan Boujee’s call for youth to join a work programme in Russia. This comes after the social media influencer was accused of “recruiting” girls in a possible human trafficking syndicate.
The content creator – whose real name is Honor Zuma – has since deleted the video amid the backlash.
POLICE INVESTIGATING INFLUENCER’S JOB PROGRAMME IN RUSSIA VIDEO
On X, the official account of Crime Watch SA urged South Africans to be vigilant of an illegitimate and unverified job offer targeting young women.
Without naming influencer Cyan Boujee, it posted: “The video clip circulated by a social media influencer, which purports to promote a two-year long ‘START PROGRAMME’ targeting young women in acquiring professional skills and commencing their careers, is currently under investigation.
“Notably, the author of the post has since removed the promotional video from her social media platforms.”
Meanwhile, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation [DIRCO] issued a statement that read: “The South African government is yet to find any credible evidence that job offers in Russia are inconsistent with their stated purpose.
CYAN BOUJEE: WHAT DID SHE SAY?
In a clip posted on her TikTok, Cyan Boujee shared a clip about the Start Programme – or the Alabuga, a job opportunity for girls between the ages of 18-22, based in Russia.
The video was filmed in July when Cyan and other influencers enjoyed a paid trip to the country.
“Girls are treated fairly here…they’re given housing, jobs, and on top of that they are taught how to speak Russian. So this is a fresh new start”, said Cyan.
According to the influencer, the two-year programme equips the young women with specialised skills – although she failed to mention what those were
Cyan – who gave the public a tour of the programme’s crowded residential area – added that incentives included regular promotions and salary increases.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING FEARS
Meanwhile, Cabinet’s Head of Public Diplomacy Clayson Monyela warned South Africans to be wary of human trafficking syndicates posing as job programmes.
He posted on his X account: “Please warn young people (girls in particular) not to fall for unverified foreign job offers. Some are being promoted by influencers on Tik Tok, Instagram and other SM [social media] platforms. Human trafficking syndicates are luring people into all sorts of illegal activities under slave-life conditions.”
Monyela offered the following advice…
- If something looks too good to be true, get a second opinion from a trusted source.
- You can also contact the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
- Information can also be verified through any embassies in the country of interest.
DO YOU THINK JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN RUSSIA ARE LEGIT OR SUSPICIOUS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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