"Come Work in Ta... Tatarstan?"

Two former contestants from the Argentinian edition of the reality show Big Brother were accused of promoting a human trafficking scheme in Tatarstan, Russia. The influencers’ Instagram ad promised young Argentinian women professional development and employment in the region.

Martin Ku and Nicolas Grosman, podcasters and contestants of the 2023-2024 season of Argentinian Big Brother, surprised their followers when they uploaded a video of them playing in the snow. The influencers asked each other between laughs, “What are you doing here in Russia?”

Shortly afterward, Ku and Grosman made an announcement. Ku, holding luggage at an airport, asked, “Have you seen that there is an international employment program with a salary that ranges between 860 and 1000 USD? What are you waiting for? Let’s go together!” Then, Grosman said, “If you are a girl between 18 and 22 years old and want to work abroad, listen to this proposition that you will love.” 

The Big Brother alumni followed up with, “We are here in the heart of...” and joked about struggling to pronounce “Tatarstan.” The influencers did not name their specific location inside the republic. The video shows the alleged headquarters of a company called “Start.” According to Ku and Grosman, the enterprise offers 25,322 job openings in catering, hospitality, production operations, assembly, and motorized transport. They said “Start” has 38 residencies for its workers and has invested $4 million in new residencies. The men also claimed the company offered health insurance and Russian language classes. Ku and Grosman also claimed “Start” has ties to embassies and consulates around the world. 

Grosman and Ku proceeded to interview two young girls from Uganda and one from Nigeria about their experiences with the company and Russia. Despite claiming to be an employment agency, all the interviewees allegedly working for the company appeared in plaid schoolgirl uniforms. 

The Argentine internet quickly accused the podcasters of promoting a human trafficking scheme. The ad disappeared from Instagram not long after it was published. In a statement, Ku and Grosman said Instagram had deleted their ad. The influencers denied being part of the company or knowing of any “irregularities.”

The Instagram account promoted by Ku and Grosman, start_program_latam, is not verified. While the Argentinian influencers' pages sport over 500,000 followers each, the page for the Russian company only has 601 followers. Just like in Ku and Grosman’s interviews, the page shows its “trainees” in schoolgirl outfits.

Due to the scandal, Ku was fired from the largest TV channel in Argentina, Telefe. Anti-cult activist Pablo Salum has filed a lawsuit against both ex-Big Brother participants for promoting a sex trafficking ring. On April 19, Argentine media revealed that the company Ku and Grosman promoted is linked to the Alabuga industrial complex. Alabuga Star, the facility owner, assembles drones used in Russia’s ongoing War on Ukraine. Workers in the factory have reported being on 15-hour-long shifts with minimal breaks. Minors are also suspected to be among the facility’s workers.

You can watch their ad here: