At least five Brazilian soldiers and other South American countries accuse two compatriots of applying financial blows against recruits that traveled to Russia to serve in the conflict against Ukraine.
The reports, obtained by CNNpoint out that Arthur Michel and Antonio Neto used channels on social networks to attract interested in military enlistment.
According to the complaints, when they arrived in the country with their own resources, the soldiers received the double aid in translating documents and bureaucratic procedures. However, one of the papers presented would be a power of attorney that allowed access to the military accounts of the military, a document that, according to the victims, was presented as an admission psychological examination.
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Legacy Card: Far beyond a service
After the missions began, unauthorized withdrawals and movements began to record. One of the soldiers claims to have lost about 1 million rubles (R $ 60,000). Payment to a foreign combatant in the Russian Army can reach R $ 350 thousand, adding bonuses of enlistment and welding.
Kidnapping and escape reports
In report to the TV network, Fernando Mazzo, who arrived in Russia in February 2025, says he tried to cancel the contract after noticing the coup, but was threatened with accusation for desertion.
In a period of time off, he says he was kept in a hotel in St. Petersburg and prevented from leaving. “I broke the bedroom window and ran away from the emergency stairs. I slept on the street until I could regularize my exit,” he says.
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Another Brazilian, still in Russia, says he signed the power of attorney without understanding the content, because he did not have access to translators or his cell phone during the process. He calculates loss of 800,000 rubles and reports that he has already called a lawyer specializing in military law in the country.
One of the soldiers, wounded by shrapnel after drone attack, lost part of the right foot movements and states that financial loss compromised its concentration in combat.
Already Helade Medeiros, mother of a missing military man since June, says he received reports that his son was also victimized by the duo.
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Defense of the accused
Antonio Neto, who has been played as a rooted doctor in Russia for 11 years, denies the accusations and says he worked only as a translator.
“This is absurd. There are enemies spreading lies, and my lawyers are already taking action,” he told the CNN. Arthur Michel also denies irregularities and states that the whole process was conducted “within the Russian army” and without collection of values.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Brazilian embassies in Kiev and Moscow are available for consular assistance, upon request of the citizen or family members, and that the performance follows national and international legislation.
