Nine foreign nationals have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg, over an alleged attempt to leave South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested on Sunday night following an intelligence-driven operation involving the Hawks, Interpol and several local and international law enforcement agencies.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of South Africa when the multidisciplinary team moved in and apprehended them.

They are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court soon, where they will face charges relating to the alleged contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.

The arrests follow an investigation involving the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Germiston, Interpol, international law enforcement agencies, SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and various security companies.

The Hawks said intelligence gathered during the investigation led to the activation of an intervention targeting the suspects.

However, the authorities have not yet disclosed the nationalities of those arrested, whether they were allegedly recruited to fight on either side of the conflict, or the circumstances surrounding their alleged involvement.

The arrests come amid growing international attention on the recruitment of foreign nationals to participate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has drawn fighters from different parts of the world.

South Africa has previously raised concerns about its citizens being drawn into foreign military conflicts, particularly following allegations that some South Africans were recruited to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

The issue has also raised questions about the vulnerability of young people to recruitment networks offering opportunities to participate in foreign conflicts.

South African law places restrictions on citizens and residents providing military assistance to foreign governments or participating in foreign military activities without the necessary authorisation.

The Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998 regulates the provision of military assistance to foreign states and prohibits certain forms of involvement in foreign military operations without approval.

The legislation covers activities including military assistance, recruitment, training and other forms of support for foreign military operations.

Acting Gauteng Hawks Provincial Head Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela commended the multidisciplinary team for its coordinated efforts, which resulted in the arrests.

The Hawks reiterated their commitment to working with local and international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and ensure compliance with South African laws.

The arrests are expected to place renewed focus on efforts to prevent South African territory from being used as a departure point for individuals allegedly seeking to join foreign armed conflicts.

The Hawks have not indicated whether further arrests are expected as investigations continue.