A storm has erupted on social media after South African influencer and DJ Cyan Boujee allegedly promoted a controversial overseas program recruiting young women to Russia.
A now-deleted video circulating online showed Cyan Boujee endorsing the “Alabuga Start Programme,” a two-year initiative aimed at targeting unemployed South African women aged 18 to 22.
The program promised free flights, accommodation, lucrative job opportunities, and professional training — all while living in a pyramid-shaped building with thousands of women from around the world.
The flashy promises, however, have raised red flags. Critics quickly slammed the video as misleading, with many pointing to vague job descriptions and leaked footage of alleged “prison-like” living quarters linked to the Alabuga facility.
South African authorities have since stepped in. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster confirmed that the program is now under investigation, issuing a strong warning to the public:
“Do not rely solely on social media promotions. Always cross-check and get a second opinion from a trusted source.”
Experts on trafficking also cautioned that the scheme mirrors patterns seen across Africa, where vulnerable women are lured abroad under the guise of glamorous opportunities but end up in exploitative conditions.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged young women to remain vigilant and not be swayed by attractive online offers that may conceal hidden dangers.
