Some foreign nationals serving on the frontlines of Ukraine are allegedly taking drone warfare tactics they learn back home to help cartels.
Ukrainian counterintelligence began investigating the infiltration of cartel members into the country’s International Legion this summer, however it’s been beat back into the highlight after the murder of drug lord El Mencho.
Armed with semi-automatic rifles, tactical gear and even tanks, images of cartel members in Mexico after the kingpin’s death led many to query just how these criminal organisations became so well-armed.
But along with the military-grade weapons obtained by cartels through illegal weapons trade, members are also venturing into drone warfare.
Some cartels have turned to drones to assist strike rival compounds, and even dropped grenades on other drug strongholds within the country.
And to get ahead of their rivals, a few of the criminal organisations are sending members to infiltrate the Ukrainian International legion to get first-hand experience with the technology.
Ukraine-American journalist David Kirichenko told Metro he first learned in regards to the connections to the Mexican cartels while on the frontline.
‘I hung out with soldiers there and maintain contact with lots of them to today,’ he said.
The explanations behind why soldiers from Mexico and Colombia ventured greater than 6,000 miles to Ukraine vary, nonetheless.
‘Some were quite candid about coming to Ukraine for the cash,’ David said.
‘Others said it was a combination of the mission and the problem of being a retired soldier who desired to proceed that line of labor.
‘But a few of those soldiers mentioned that upon returning to their countries, there was significant interest from various cartels trying to utilise their skill sets in modern warfare.’
The Ukrainian International Legion does have intense vetting processes before foreign nationals are in a position to join the force on the frontline.
Even with these procedures, David said he believes lots of these individuals were approved to hitch the group by planning to work for the cartel after they leave the war, not before.
‘There’s likely a small fraction of individuals with sketchy backgrounds,’ he explained.
‘For those who think in regards to the logistics of moving from Latin America to Ukraine, there is barely a lot vetting you possibly can do. Criminal organisations can forge identities and documents or bribe officials to supply clean records.’
Ukraine’s domestic security is working to get ahead of potential criminals joining the fight against Russia, who may only accomplish that for military training.
But David points out: ‘It only takes one talented, experienced drone operator to return and teach many others.’
Metro has contacted the International Legion for comment.
How are cartels using drone technology?
Using drones in Latin America provides a possibility for cartels to collect intelligence on their rivals, government officials and native populations to make sure the protection of their operations.
Of their fight to manage the drug industry, cartels are turning to more modern weaponry, including drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
If even one highly-trained drone operator returns to their home country after serving in Ukraine and teaches others, it could open a Pandora’s Box of future weaponry within the bloody cartel wars.
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime points out: ‘Within the air, drones offer a natural fit for smuggling low-weight, high-profit commodities equivalent to drugs and tobacco.
‘Land drones provide larger payloads and is also repurposed as offensive tools if weaponised, as has already been observed in Ukraine.
‘Sea drones, while expensive, can carry heavy payloads over long distances, making them potentially attractive for drug traffickers moving shipments regionally or for arms traffickers transporting bulk consignments discreetly.’
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