A Ukrainian soldier of the 71st Jaeger Brigade prepares a FPV drone, Donetsk region, March 2024. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Ukrainian counterintelligence services are investigating the infiltration of Latin American drug cartel members into the country’s International Legion, with operatives seeking advanced drone training to later deploy against rivals and security forces in their home countries.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched a joint investigation with military intelligence after Mexico’s National Intelligence Center warned in early summer that Mexican volunteers had joined Ukraine’s foreign fighter units specifically to acquire first-person view (FPV) drone capabilities. The probe has since expanded to include Colombian nationals, raising concerns about Ukraine’s inadvertent role as a training ground for transnational criminal organizations.
French outlet Intelligence Online was the first to report the story on Tuesday.
The investigation centers on several Spanish-speaking units within the International Legion, particularly the tactical group “Ethos,” operating in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Ukrainian investigators reportedly suspect that some Mexican and Colombian volunteers intentionally sought placement in drone operator units to later use this training in the service of foreign criminal organizations.
One noteworthy case is that of a Mexican national operating under the alias “Águila-7,” who registered in March 2024 using fraudulent Salvadoran documentation. Posing as a humanitarian volunteer, he completed comprehensive drone training in Lviv while demonstrating exceptional technical expertise that eventually had instructors suspicious.
His extensive technical knowledge, including familiarity with electronic warfare countermeasures and thermal detection avoidance, reportedly stood out. Background investigations later revealed probable connections to Mexico’s elite GAFE special forces, some of whose former personnel have historically transitioned to cartel employment, notably through the ultra-violent Zetas organization.
The infiltration demonstrates remarkable operational sophistication for a nonstate group, with suspects employing false identities, forged documentation and front companies to facilitate their passage into Ukrainian territory and military structures. Intelligence analysts have identified a network of private security firms across Latin America that appear to have coordinated these placements.
Additional cases have emerged involving former FARC guerrillas who infiltrated the system using Panamanian and Venezuelan identity documents. At least three former FARC fighters passed through the International Legion using forged documents, with their relocation reportedly organized by cartel-linked entities.
The revelations highlight Ukraine’s unintended emergence as a premier training ground for modern asymmetric warfare techniques amid its conflict with Russia. Ukrainian authorities have developed comprehensive curricula covering drone manufacturing, tactical deployment, electronic warfare resistance and real-time battlefield coordination. Coincidentally, these capabilities also represent exactly the type of force multiplication that criminal organizations seek.
Mexican cartels are already conducting drone attacks against rivals and security forces domestically, making the acquisition of Ukrainian battlefield-tested tactics particularly concerning for regional security.
An unnamed SBU official told Intelligence Online: “We welcomed volunteers in good faith. But we must now recognize that Ukraine has become a platform for the global dissemination of FPV tactics. Some come here to learn how to kill with a $400 drone, then sell this knowledge elsewhere to the highest bidder.”
Russian Army Plunged into Darkness: How Ukraine Suddenly Hit Radar & EW Facility with Drone Strike
Tragic pals, aged 14 and 15, were murdered in gangland machete attacks just months apart
Two teenage boys who were stabbed to death in gang-related machete attacks just four months apart were good friends, it has been revealed.
Aspiring rap artist Kelyan Bokassa, 14, took flowers to Deajaun Campbell's grieving mother weeks before he was stabbed 27 times on a London bus.
Daejaun, 15, was ambushed in Woolwich, south-east London, on September 22 last year and cried out 'I'm only 15, don't let me die' as he was fatally stabbed twice.
He was friends with 14-year-old Kelyan, who was killed two miles away by two grinning 16-year-old boys with machetes on a bus in Woolwich months later, on January 7.
The pair were locked up for life with a minimum term of 15 years and 10 months at the Old Bailey last week.
Kelyan, who performed under the name 'Grippa,' had made a rap tribute on YouTube, entitled Gotta Eat, in which he was seen crouching beside a floral tribute to Daejaun, who was known as 'Boogz.'
On Wednesday, a boy aged 17 was found guilty of Daejaun's murder after a jury deliberated for more than 19 hours.
Co-accused Marko Balaz, 19, from Abbey Wood, south-east London, was found not guilty of murder, but convicted of manslaughter.
Daejaun Campbell, 15, was ambushed in Woolwich, south-east London , on September 22 last year and cried out 'I'm only 15, don't let me die' as he was fatally stabbed twice
He was friends with 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, who was killed two miles away by two grinning 16-year-old boys with machetes on a bus in Woolwich months later, on January 7. Pictured: Kelyan Bokassa (left) and his mother, Marie Bokassa (right)
Daejaun was allegedly targeted for a 'gang check' when he was spotted near a house his killers were visiting
A third defendant, Jacob Losiewicz, 18, also from Abbey Wood, was cleared of wrongdoing.
The two boys' murders, though not directly related, bore striking similarities and have resulted in pleas by their families to end the 'senseless killings'.
Both killings had been linked to street gang culture, with Daejaun described as being exploited and groomed by older youths.
Daejaun was allegedly targeted for a 'gang check' when he was spotted near a house his killers were visiting.
Prosecutor Mukul Chawla KC had said he was attacked by Balaz and the 17-year-old boy before a witness had heard Daejaun screaming for 'help' as he was stabbed.
He also threw a large knife that he was carrying, although it appears to have only hit a metal fence or railing and broken into pieces, the court had heard.
The 17-year-old attacker was caught on video dropping his machete and leaning down to pick it up as he made off.
Daejaun fell to his knees in the street, having suffered two stab wounds and six superficial cuts.
Daejaun suffered two stab wounds and six superficial cuts in the fatal attack
Mr Chawla told jurors the motive for the killing was unclear but that Daejaun had been carrying money and drugs, possibly crack cocaine.
He said: 'He may therefore have been a person exploited, by reason of his age if for no other reason, to be used as carrier and supplier of drugs by organisations that will use younger people and other vulnerable people for those purposes.
'That may be or may have been the reason why he was attacked.'
At an earlier hearing Bill Emlyn Jones, prosecuting, said: ‘There have in that area been a series of encounters amounting to tit for tat violence with all the hallmarks of a turf war between local drug dealers and that appears to the prosecution to be the context for and likely motive for the stabbing of the deceased in this case.'
The two older defendants admitted being at the scene but denied being involved in Daejaun's killing.
The 17-year-old youth admitted the killing but claimed he acted in self defence and alone.
He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon - a machete - in a public place.
The 17-year-old also had previous convictions for carrying a 'kukri' style knife in 2021 and having a machete and affray relating to a fight in October 2023 in which a male suffered a cut to his face and a stab wound.
The court heard Balaz had previous convictions for carrying knives and possession of cannabis. Mr Losiewicz had no convictions to his name.
Judge Sarah Munro, KC, ordered reports to be prepared to assess Balaz’s dangerousness ahead of sentence on 6 October.
She thanked the jury and told them: ‘I wish I could tell you this was an unusual case. I am afraid it is far from unusual.
‘It is an absolutely typical case this court sees day in day out.’
In the wake of Daejaun's murder, his family released a statement in which Daejaun was described as 'naturally gifted, intelligent, creative and musically talented'.
They said: 'The brutal manner which Daejaun was taken away from us is sad, and he not the first young person nor will he be the last, this senseless killing needs to stop.'
Last week, Kelyan's mother Marie Bokassa made an appeal for authorities to do more to stop the violence, saying: 'Our streets at bleeding.'
In a victim impact statement, Ms Bokassa said: 'At least my son is at peace, and those two kids are going to have a really tough time.
Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed around 27 times as he travelled home on a 472 bus in January
'I ask myself what has happened to those two boys that has resulted in that terrible act of violence, and I cannot imagine how can they be so angry.
'What they did was horrific and I do not know what has led them to do this, and maybe I will never.'
The heartbroken mother also revealed she had spent her son's 15th birthday at his graveside.
The young boy called 'I want my mum' after he was mortally wounded by the two youths, aged 16, in front of horrified passengers on a route 472 bus in Woolwich.
The duo fled the scene and hid for six days before they were eventually discovered and arrested after being identified by CCTV footage.
Before the brazen attack, CCTV showed Kelyan boarding the bus shortly after 2pm, heading to his appointment at Woolwich Youth Justice Centre.
Earlier, prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said he looked around and out of the windows before taking his seat 'giving every impression that he was concerned for his safety'
Twenty minutes later, the defendants, who cannot be named, boarded the bus each armed with identical machetes hidden in their clothes.
Kelyan was sitting on the back seat on the top deck, with a knife in the waistband of his trousers.
The pair walked towards him 'with purpose' and withdrew their blades before immediately stabbing him without uttering a word to their victim.
The youths thrust the machetes towards the schoolboy 27 times in an attack that lasted around 14 seconds.
The 14-year-old had no time to reach for his own knife which stayed in his trousers, the court heard.
Instead, he attempted 'in vain' to shield himself with a schoolbag, the prosecutor said, as several passengers fled in panic.
They described hearing 'intense screaming' from the back of the bus, as well as the victim shouting "Help. Help. I've been stabbed".
'They describe both defendants making quick, forceful movements towards Kelyan Bokassa as he tried to defend himself,' Ms Heer added.
Just before 2.27pm, the bus driver activated his emergency alarm as the defendants fled the vehicle when it stopped at Woolwich Ferry.
Following this, Kelyan stumbled down the aisle to the stairs, where another passenger went to help him.
He was heard saying: 'Take me to my mum's. I want my mum,' before his legs buckled, as he bled heavily from a leg wound.
Officers found Kelyan had collapsed and his body was limp, and despite attempts to save him, the youngster died at the scene at 3.23pm.
Following the vicious attack, one of the machetes was thrown into the River Thames, but was later recovered by police.
The two teenagers were later arrested on 15 January 2025. Both defendants have previous convictions for carrying blades in public.
Following their arrest, the younger of the two told police: 'I'm telling you right now bruv, I'm not involved bruv, not f-ing involved.'
When asked what he knew about Keylan he replied 'f-k all'.
Ms Heer said: 'When shown the CCTV footage of the incident and asked how he felt, he said, "Sad to see innit. Young person lose his life man, it's sad.."
A vigil at St Mary Magdalene church in Woolwich on January 8 following Kelyan's death
He said he did not want to watch the CCTV because it was distressing and sad to see a young kid get stabbed but he continued to deny that he was involved.'
Both of the killers pleaded guilty to Kelyan's murder and to possessing a bladed article.
In a televised sentencing on Friday, Judge Mark Lucraft KC sentenced them to life behind bars.
The duo will be locked up for a least 15 years and 10 months before being eligible for parole. One of the youths in the dock of the Old Bailey smiled as he was sent down.
Judge Lucraft said Kenyan's death was a 'senseless loss' of yet another young life to the 'horrors of knife crime'.
Greek riot cops clash with pro-Palestine supporters as Israeli cruise ship docks in Rhodes
Pro-Palestine protesters have clashed with riot police in Rhodes while an Israeli cruise ship docked on the Greek Island.
Scuffles broke out as protesters chanted 'Freedom for Palestine' while police squads, armed with riot shields and helmets, pushed them back.
The demonstration took place while the Israeli cruise ship, the Crown Iris, docked on the island.
A number of protesters were arrested during the rally, while police were seen restraining others.
The same ship, which was forced away from the Greek Island of Syros after a furious pro-Palestine protest, had been carrying around 650 Israeli tourists and arrived in Rhodes without delay.
Strong security measures had been put in place on the island as Greek authorities bid to prevent a repeat of Syros, where 1,700 Israeli tourists, including 300 to 400 children, were forced away.
They were instead diverted to the Port of Limassol in Cyprus.
Greece's Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis described that protest as 'shameful for Greece'.
Scuffles broke out as protesters chanted 'Freedom for Palestine ' while police squads, armed with riot shields and helmets, pushed them back
Strong security measures had been put in place on the island as Greek authorities bid to prevent a repeat of Syros
Pro-Palestine protesters clashed with riot police in Rhodes while an Israeli cruise ship docked on the Greek Island
'We owe an apology to those friends of Greece who chose to spend their holidays here and were forcibly denied that right by some.
'This incident must neither harm our relations with [Israel] nor the love of Israeli tourists for Greece,' he said.
While Greek police and port authorities had prepared for further protests, local businesses were opposed to the demonstration.
Greece has become an increasingly popular destination for Israeli travellers and tourist bodies, as well as the mayor of Rhodes Alexandros Koliadis, welcomed them with traditional sweets from Rhodes.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had contacted his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, over the Syros protests after more than 150 furiously demonstrated as the cruise ship attempted to disembark for a six-hour visist.
Protesters carried Palestinian flags, chanted and held banners as they formed a line to prevent the Israeli passengers from arriving in Greece.
Some passengers responded by waving Israeli flags and singing patriotic songs.
'Inside the ship, we feel safe, but the children are a little stressed,' one passenger told Israeli broadcaster Kan.
A number of arrests of protesters were arrested during the rally, local media have reported
The demonstration took place while the Israeli cruise ship, the Crown Iris, docked on the island
Palestine protesters had attempted to disrupt the Crown Iris, which was forced to divert to Cyprus last week after a similar rally
Initially Mano Maritime, who own the boat, said there would be a 'slight delay' in docking the ship, as they estimated the protest would disperse within half an hour.
But as it continued the shipping company skipped Syros and rerouted to Limassol.
The Greek coast guard confirmed the ship set sail earlier than its original schedule.
'The ship arrived at Syros, encountered a demonstration by pro-Palestinian supporters, and passengers were stuck on board without permission to disembark,' Mano Maritime later said.
They later added: 'The management of Mano Maritime has decided in light of the situation in the city of Syros to now sail to another tourist destination.'
A group called We Stay Active organised the protest.
A number of protesters were arrested during the rally as police cracked down on the demonstration
Around 650 Israeli tourists on the ship arrived in Rhodes
Tourist bodies, as well as the mayor of Rhodes Alexandros Koliadis, welcomed the Israeli tourists with traditional sweets from Rhodes
The Crown Iris had been prevented from disembarking at Ermoupoli, in the Greek island of Syros
The same ship, the Crown Iris, was last month used to transport Israeli nationals to and from Cyprus after Israel closed its airspace during its 12-day conflict with Iran.
It has also been used as part of the country's Operation Safe Return mission to repatriate citizens during conflict.
The ship had earlier arrived at Syros, encountered a demonstration by pro-Palestinian supporters, and passengers were stuck on board.
The same ship, the Crown Iris, was last month used to transport Israeli nationals to and from Cyprus after Israel closed its airspace during its 12-day conflict with Iran. It has also been used as part of the country's Operation Safe Return mission to repatriate citizens during conflict.
Crowds of pro-Palestine activists demonstrated against the arrival of an Israeli cruise ship on another Greek island on Tuesday - the third such protest on Greek islands in the last week.
Protesters on the southern Greek island of Crete unfurled a huge Palestinian flag at the port of Agios Nikolaos as the tourists on board the Crown Iris disembarked and left on buses for their tours of the island.
The demonstrators clashed with police squads, armed with riot shields and helmets, who were deployed at the pier where the cruise ship was docked.
Officers used pepper spray at one point to keep the protest in control.
Protestors unveiled a huge Palestine flag to greet the Israeli cruise ship as it arrived in port
The demonstrators clashed with police squads, armed with riot shields and helmets, who were deployed at the pier where the cruise ship was docked
Officers used pepper spray at one point to keep the protest in control as scuffles broke out between activists and the police
A number of activists were arrested at the rally and groups of officers were photographed restraining others.
Last week's incident had triggered a phone call by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis.
Four people were detained at the demonstration on Tuesday in Crete
Protesters on the southern Greek island of Crete unfurled a huge Palestinian flag at the port of Agios Nikolaos
Greece is a popular tourist destination for Israelis on package tours and traveling independently, particularly in the summer months.
There are several flights per day between Tel Aviv and Athens, as well as from Israeli airports directly to Greek islands.
Lindos (pictured), a picturesque town on the south-east of Rhodes island
Lindos
a beach in Lindos on the island of Rhodes
Lindos
The ruins at the imposing Acropolis in Lindos, ancient temple ruins, elegant columns and views of Turkey
Lindos's 'classic, whitewashed, flat-roofed houses, all built centuries ago'
Lindos Grand Resort & Spa (pictured), a new hotel on Vlycha Bay that opened last summer
the adults-only Lindos Grand (pictured), guests of all ages from 'twentysomethings to grey-haired couples enjoying the informality'
'With such deluxe privacy, it’s easy to spend a day in blissful solitude,' at the Lindos Grand
the Street of the Knights of Rhodes
Visit the Seven Springs in Rhodes and you'll find a freshwater lake and small waterfall (pictured), all within a deep forest
Ialysos beach in the island of Rhodes, Greece
An aerial view of the coastal town of Ialysos, on Rhodes
Sunset in the main square in Rhodes' Old Town
the ancient port
An ancient view of Mandraki harbour: How the Colossus of Rhodes might have looked
The new statue will straddle the port entrance on the island, allowing ships to sail in between its legs (pictured, computer generated image of original Colossus Of Rhodes)
The main statue will be built of concrete and steel and clad entirely in bronze-coloured solar panels to provide power (pictured, engraving of Colossus of Rhodes by Fischer von Erlach)
The new Colossus of Rhodes (pictured, an artist's impression) will stand at 500ft tall - five times higher than the original
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek titan god of the sun Helios, raised at the mouth of the island's harbour in the city of Rhodes
The wonder of the world was built in 280BC and at the time was one of the tallest statues in the ancient world. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 226BC
21st century view: the deer statues at the entrance to Mandraki harbour
Location Map of Rhodes (in red, off the coast of Turkey)
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