Who is Faisal Khan aka 'Baba Vlogs' Indian YouTuber Accused of Luring Indians Into Russian Army?

Amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, reports started swirling that dozens of Indians were duped into joining Russian army. Not only this, two Indians even died on battlefield after y joined forces with hopes of a lucrative livelihood. In midst of all chaos, a YouTuber named Faisal Abdul Mutallib Khan and his role in tricking people to join Russian army has come time light. YouTuber who goes by name “Baba Vlogs” on YouTube runs a recruitment agency. As per media reports, Khan lured many Indians to Russia, promising m lucrative jobs in non-combat roles in Russian army. However, many of m eventually realised that what y were signing up for was not a “helper” job but fighting in full-scale Russia-Ukraine war. 

In one of videos Khan posted in 2023, he promised his viewers that someone who enrols mselves as a “helper” in Russian army will not only get hefty money but will also receive a government card which will help m get a permanent residency. In video, he also claimed that possessing this card would allow people to apply for Schengen visas and suggested that Russian government acknowledges contributions of those assisting ir country during challenging times.

According to media reports, Mohammed Afsan who died fighting on frontline, allegedly connected with Khan after watching his YouTube video. Like Afsan, Khan allegedly led numerous Indians to Russian frontlines, promising unique opportunities.

Who is Faisal Khan?

Khan runs a consultancy firm that claims to provide Indias with job opportunities around world. He is a resident of Mumbai's Dar and went to Dubai in 2008. He has a YouTube Channel with 305K subscribers. “Hello Bantai, this is Baba here with his vlogs to give you a dose of some fun, entertainment, information and suggestions. I am from Aamchi Mumbai, love to Vlog and share first-hand experiences of life that I live. I am a diehard fan of travelling, sharing stories, meeting new people and helping out people via my vlog,” res description of his YouTube Channel. 

Khan claims to be a victim himself

Khan told Indian news outlets that he sent 35 people to Russia and was told by handlers in Moscow y would not be deployed on front lines. He went on to call himself “ victim” of whole incident. He insisted that he did not pull any video down since he knew that he was not guilty. 

India continues to monitor situation

Last month, Ministry of External Affairs said that Indian Embassy in Moscow is thoroughly monitoring situation. “Each and every such case brought to attention of Indian Embassy in Moscow has been strongly taken up with Russian authorities and those brought to attention of Ministry have been taken up with Russian Embassy in New Delhi. Several Indians have alrey been discharged as a result,” ministry said in a statement. “We remain committed, as a matter of top priority, to actively pursuing with Russian authorities all relevant cases of Indian nationals for an early discharge from Russian army,” ministry furred.