Six months later, a man who had been driven into slavery was located in the Rostov region, according to reports from kp.ru.
Dmitry Rozhin, aged 53, from Shakhty, vanished in mid-August. A relative described him as someone with mental challenges, a speech disorder, and a view of the world that often resembled a child’s. His older brother had cared for him throughout life. Although the men shared the same yard, suspicious individuals would frequently visit Dmitry, complicating the family’s worry and search efforts.
He left home on August 15 after losing his phone. The family searched locally, but when that effort proved insufficient, they turned to the police. Five days later, volunteers joined the effort, calling medical facilities and sharing instructions to raise awareness and aid in the search.
“My father was deeply anxious about his brother,” said Irina. “Naturally, there was fear he might never be found. I walked the city, studying the faces of homeless people, hoping to spot him. I wanted to be sure, even if just a little.”
In mid-February, Dmitry was found in Semikarakorsk, about 70 kilometers from his home. A passerby who saw Dmitry’s photo in the LisaAlert group recognized him. Relatives brought him home and began to piece together where he had spent the previous six months. It became clear that he had been enticed with promises of wealth and a better life.
“He says there were no beatings, but he was compelled to harvest cabbage in the fields during the warm months and to tidy barns in winter,” one relative explained.
Rather than fair wages, the workers received food and a mere 100 rubles a day. When Dmitry’s health deteriorated, he was taken back to the city and abandoned.
“My uncle grew thin, then thinner still. It seems he wasn’t fed properly there. He’s constantly eating as his tremors grow worse—his hands shake, his fingers stiffen. His legs are swollen, and walking has become painfully difficult. We’re taking him to the hospital to determine whether the symptoms stem from exposure to cold or possible kidney issues after heavy alcohol use,” the relative added.
Volunteers have previously rescued a man from modern slavery, illustrating that such coercive networks can extend across regions. Recent reports describe similar cases involving individuals coerced by others who presented themselves as mentors or benefactors, yet exploited their vulnerability for labor and deceit. (kp.ru)