A yet-to-be identified Nigerian professor has been detained over the alleged facilitation of illegal entry and transit of immigrants from Africa through Russia to European Union countries.

This comes after Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Thursday that its agents have dismantled a migrant smuggling network allegedly led by a Nigerian university professor.

According to the Moscow Times, the suspected leader is a senior lecturer at the engineering academy of the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).

Moscow Times reports that FSB said the operation targeted an inter-regional group that facilitated the illegal entry and transit of immigrants from Africa through Russia to European Union countries.

Although the FSB did not reveal the said Nigerian professor’s name, it confirmed the detention of five key members of the smuggling network, including nationals from Russia, Nigeria, and Ukraine.

The FSB further disclosed that investigations were ongoing to identify additional accomplices.

The smuggling ring is being accused of generating at least $650,000 since 2021 through fraudulent Russian residence permits and visas.