Authorities Investigate Russia Job Offer for Young South African Women

A storm has erupted on social media after South African influencer and club DJ Cyan Boujee allegedly promoted a suspicious overseas program aimed at recruiting young women to Russia.

Over the past few days, a video clip circulated online showing Cyan Boujee endorsing a two-year-long “Alabuga Start Programme.” The initiative allegedly targets unemployed South African women aged 18 to 22, encouraging them to move abroad with promises of professional training, career opportunities, and a glamorous lifestyle.

In the clip, Cyan Boujee claimed that participants would live in a pyramid-shaped building with thousands of other women from across the globe. She also mentioned that the program promised free flights, accommodation, high-paying jobs, and lessons in multiple languages, including Russian.

While the promotional video has since been deleted from Instagram, the backlash has been swift and intense. Many social media users accused Cyan Boujee of misleading young women and allegedly endorsing a program that may have darker motives. Critics pointed out troubling signs such as vague job descriptions and leaked footage of “prison-like” living quarters allegedly linked to the same Alabuga facility.

[BEWARE OF ILLEGITIMATE AND/OR UNVERIFIED ’OPPORTUNITIES’ TARGETING YOUNG WOMEN]

The video clip circulated by a social media influencer, which purports to promote a 2-year long ‘START PROGRAM’ targeting young women in acquiring professional skills and commencing their careers,…

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) August 24, 2025

Authorities in South Africa have since stepped in, with The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster confirming that the program is under investigation. In a strongly worded statement posted on their social media page, they warned young women to be vigilant:

“[BEWARE OF ILLEGITIMATE AND/OR UNVERIFIED ‘OPPORTUNITIES’ TARGETING YOUNG WOMEN] The video clip circulated by a social media influencer, which purports to promote a 2-year long ‘START PROGRAM’ targeting young women in acquiring professional skills and commencing their careers, is currently under investigation. Notably, the author of the post has since removed the promotional video from her social media platforms. Do not rely solely on social media promotions. Always cross-check and get a second opinion from a trusted source.”

Experts have also sounded alarms, warning that the scheme allegedly mirrors known patterns of trafficking across Africa, where vulnerable women are recruited under the guise of employment opportunities abroad.

With the investigation ongoing, South African authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid being swayed by glossy but potentially dangerous offers online.