Russian Ambassador to Buenos Aires Dmitry Feoktistov told Tass that Moscow is actively following the situation surrounding Russians detained on suspicion of human trafficking. The diplomat stressed that the matter is being handled at the official level and that any case of criminal activity must be confronted under the law.
The envoy indicated that he did not want to amplify sensational narratives, but he underscored that those accused of crimes should face full legal accountability.
Feoktistov also noted that there is no basis for talking about a new spiral of rusophobic accusations arising from the incident, adding that some Argentine media coverage can at times fuel tensions, yet does not justify broad accusations against all Russians.
The central figure in the case had previously served an 11-year term in Russia. Observers say the challenge is to separate the grain from the chaff and to focus on verified facts rather than rumors.
At the end of March, Constantine Rudnev, described as the founder of the Ashram Shambala sect, was detained in Argentina on suspicion of human trafficking. He was joined by twelve Russians, including women described by investigators as exhausted and under duress. Prosecutors reported that a pregnant Russian woman received hospital care during the operation, and some accompanying individuals reportedly restricted what could be said during interviews. In Russia, Rudnev was sentenced to eleven years in prison in 2013, released in 2021, and later moved to Montenegro, where reports mention attempts to obtain material linked to ritual pornography.
Earlier reports mention a separate case involving a Russian national detained in the Philippines, illustrating that related concerns have appeared in other jurisdictions as well.
Experts emphasize the importance of due process and careful verification of facts in cases involving foreign nationals. Diplomatic statements are often aimed at preventing mischaracterization and at ensuring that criminal activity is handled within the bounds of the law, without allowing political rhetoric to distort the truth of specific allegations. As investigations continue, authorities will disclose verified developments, and observers will watch for formal charges or dismissals that might clarify the course of the case.
In the meantime, the episode serves as a reminder of the complexity surrounding international trafficking investigations. It highlights the need for robust cooperation among law enforcement agencies, precise reporting, and restraint in public commentary to avoid inflaming bilateral tensions while protecting the rights of those accused and the safety of potential victims.