Wagner Remnants Run Opioid Empire in Central African Republic, WSJ Reveals
Up to 500 mercenaries under Prigozhin's son control the tramadol trade in a fief beyond the reach of law enforcement or Moscow.
An investigation by the Wall Street Journal has uncovered that remnants of the Wagner Group have established a sprawling opioid empire in the Central African Republic. The operation, led by the son of the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, involves up to 500 mercenaries who control the illicit trade of tramadol, a powerful opioid, in a region that is effectively lawless and beyond the reach of Russian authorities.
The Central African Republic has long been a hotspot for instability, and Wagner's presence there has been well-documented. After Prigozhin's death, his son took over these operations, shifting focus to drug trafficking. Tramadol, a controlled substance in many countries, is being illegally distributed, causing severe health and security issues.
The mercenaries operate as a criminal syndicate, using both military force and corruption to maintain their dominance. They have established a network spanning production, transportation, and distribution. Local and international law enforcement agencies are powerless due to the lack of effective government control in the region.
This revelation shows how Wagner's legacy continues to impact African regions even after its formal dissolution. Moscow appears either unable or unwilling to intervene, leaving the area as a haven for mercenaries and drug trafficking.
