November 13, 2026

Jailed for a Namesake?


Jailed for a Namesake?
Jail cell. The Russian Life files.

On November 6, independent outlet Mediazona reported that a foreigner was arrested in Moscow on charges of mercenarism for fighting for Ukraine. However, Mediazona's investigation revealed that it might have been his namesake, a Nicaraguan man in Ukraine, who was actually fighting on the battlefield.

A man identified as "Reyes S. A. D. H." has been in prison for mercenary activity since March 2026, after being captured by Russian forces fighting in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His nationality was not identified. Per court documents, he is single, has no children, and is unemployed.

On December 30, 2025, a Moscow court ordered the arrest of a man named "Andony de Jesus Sanchez Reyes" on charges of minor hooliganism. According to court documents, the day before, authorities arrested him at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport after he "behaved aggressively, waved his hands, shouted loudly, didn't respond to comments from citizens, violating public order and the calm of citizens, provoking their indignation." The authorities said the man was drunk and smelled like alcohol. Reyes Sanchez admitted his guilt and was detained for 15 days.

On January 14, 2026, at 3 a.m., Reyes was arrested again on similar charges of public misconduct. Court documents do not specify where the crime took place. This time, Reyes maintained his innocence. He was arrested again for 15 days. 

During their investigation, Mediazona found a Facebook account of a Nicaraguan man whose name was listed as "Andony de Jesus Sanchez." In the profile, the man marked Kyiv as his place of residence and identified himself as a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In September 2025, the man posted a picture of an identification with his name and a medal from the Ukrainian Army. 

On December 19, 2025, prior to the arrest at Vnokovo or detainment on the battlefield, Reyes uploaded a picture of himself on Facebook in Ankara, Turkey. While in custody after being arrested in March, his profile and background picture were changed, showing a completely different man wearing camouflage. The person in the picture is likely associated with the Ukrainian armed forces. Throughout 2026, the account has been posting content unrelated to the war in Ukraine.

According to Mediazona, Reyes' name does not appear on the Russian Ministry of Interior's wanted list.

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