Illegal Human Trafficking Initiates in Russia
In a move that has sparked significant controversy and public outrage, German Sterligov, a Russian entrepreneur, has announced plans to host a "slave market" event as part of his farmer's fair in Sлобоda. This proposal blatantly contradicts existing Russian laws that prohibit enslavement and human trafficking.
According to reports, the event is scheduled to take place within the Great Crafts Exhibition in Sлобоda from August 29-30. The event's organiser, Sterligov, has made a provocative statement: "Russian slaves and Russian slave girls for Russian landowners!". However, the event remains unclear as to what kind of work or labor it involves.
The use of people as slaves, their labor, and human trafficking are criminal offenses in Russia, punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years. There is no clarification as to whether Sterligov’s event has any legal exemption or government approval, making its realization highly problematic from a legal standpoint.
It is worth noting that two residents of Zabaykalsky Krai are currently set to stand trial for using slave labor, highlighting Russia's strict stance against such practices. Conversely, an IT specialist born in Chita escaped from forced labor in Myanmar, underscoring the global significance of these issues.
The event's nature remains uncertain, with no clear indication whether it is a public or private event. The event will be part of the Great Crafts Exhibition in "Sлобоda of the Sterligov brothers". As of the latest information from August 2025, there is no public evidence that the event has proceeded or been sanctioned officially.
The announcement serves more as a scandalous statement drawing attention to Sterligov's ideological stance rather than a legally permissible marketplace. Any actual enactment of such a "market" would almost certainly be met with legal intervention given Russia's strict prohibitions against slavery and trafficking.
[1] Source: Various news reports, August 2025.
- Despite the controversial announcement of a "slave market" event at the Great Crafts Exhibition in Sлобоda, the nature and legality of the event remain unclear, given Russia's strong commitment to prohibiting enslavement, human trafficking, and forced labor.
- Amidst concerns over a potential "slave market" event at the Great Crafts Exhibition in Sлобоda, it is important to note that Russia stands firm against such practices, as evident in recent trials of Zabaykalsky Krai residents for using slave labor and the escape of a Chita-born IT specialist from forced labor in Myanmar.
