Russia uses games to recruit children: how dangerous schemes work

Russian special services recruit Ukrainian children through online games, disguising criminal tasks as “quests” and “game missions.”

This was reported by the Juvenile Police of Ukraine.

According to law enforcement, recruiters use popular platforms, including Roblox, Arma 3, Discord, and other applications, to establish contact with children.

One of the schemes is the so-called “gamer friend.” A stranger gains trust, communicates with the child, and then transfers the conversation to instant messengers and offers “rewards.” Along with such “rewards,” instructions for sabotage or other crimes are sent, accompanied by threats.

Another scheme is a “game quest.” The child is offered to perform tasks with geolocation: take photos of infrastructure objects or equipment, supposedly to move to a new level.

The “courage test” scheme is also common, where children are persuaded to leave “parcels”, draw graffiti, or post flyers, assuring them that it’s just a game.

The police emphasize that such “tasks” may be part of sabotage activities and pose a real threat.

Law enforcement officers are urging parents to explain to their children that any “prizes” or “parcels” from strangers can be dangerous.

If you suspect recruitment, you are advised to immediately contact the cyber police, the Security Service of Ukraine, or the juvenile police.