The Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located in the Republic of Tatarstan in south-west Russia, plays a major role in Russia’s war economy. Thousands of attack and reconnaissance drones are produced at the site for use by the Russian military. Reports in 2023 by independent Russian and Western media raised concerns about exploitative aspects of a recruitment programme connected to the SEZ, known as Alabuga Start. This programme has reportedly relied on underage students from Alabuga Polytech and young migrant women from across the globe to staff its drone production facilities.

Initially targeting African countries, Alabuga Start expanded to recruit women aged 18–22 from Latin America, South Asia, and former Soviet countries. Reports found that participants were not informed they would be working in weapons production before arriving at the site. Some believed they were joining a work-study programme. Testimonies described long hours, constant surveillance, and health issues caused by exposure to caustic chemicals. According to whistle-blowers at Alabuga Polytech, workers faced punitive management and harsh conditions.

Recruitment was reportedly carried out online, including through social media and influencers, and with the help of local intermediaries in countries of origin. Many recruits work directly in drone production, while others are employed as cleaners and caterers. Some testimonies revealed experiences of harassment, racism, and excessive surveillance by SEZ management. Ukrainian drones have targeted the SEZ site, bringing the recruits into proximity with the Russia–Ukraine conflict without their informed consent.

Although the SEZ is presented as a private enterprise, it has close links to the Russian state. The Ministry of Defence is both the financial backer and end customer for the drones, and the SEZ is owned by a department of the Republic of Tatarstan. Alabuga represents a clear example of how business, criminality and the state intersect in the grey zone described in the report.

The study found evidence of exploitation within Alabuga Start, including the use of misleading recruitment and repressive working conditions. These findings have led some governments to question the programme and take steps to protect their citizens. The report calls attention to the need for further investigation and response from countries of origin and the international community, to prevent young migrant women from continuing to be exploited in support of Russia’s war economy.