Jakarta. A former Indonesian police officer has claimed on social media that he was recruited by Russia’s Wagner Group to take part in combat operations in Ukraine, a move that could result in the loss of his Indonesian citizenship.

The man, identified as Muhammad Rio, described himself in a video circulating online last week as a former member of the Mobile Brigade Corps, a paramilitary unit of the Indonesian National Police. He said he had previously been stationed in Aceh.

In the video, Rio said he was recruited directly by the Wagner Group, not as a regular fighter but to serve in a reconnaissance and sniper role.

“I was specifically recruited by the Wagner Group as a reconnaissance and killing unit. My task is to infiltrate and remain on standby,” Rio said in the video.

He claimed to be operating in an area recently seized from Ukrainian forces, although he said he did not know the exact location. Rio described harsh frontline conditions, including extreme winter weather, and said he wore white camouflage clothing to blend in with the snow.

“Because of the snowy conditions, I wear white clothing. My task is to infiltrate and kill,” he said, adding that daily explosions had become routine, likening the sound to constant thunder.

Addressing his departure from the Mobile Brigade Corps, Rio apologized to his former colleagues, saying his decision was driven by a desire for new challenges and better income opportunities.

“I apologize for not being able to remain in the Mobile Brigade Corps because I was looking for a new environment and new opportunities. I will not forget where I was formed,” he said.

At the end of his statement, Rio said he planned to launch a dedicated Telegram channel to share information about his daily activities while serving in the Russia–Ukraine war zone.

Indonesia’s National Police Headquarters has confirmed that Rio was dismissed from the force for desertion, holding the last rank of Second Police Brigadier. He had also previously faced an ethics hearing related to personal conduct issues.

Under Indonesian law, citizens who voluntarily join a foreign military force automatically lose their Indonesian citizenship.

The case follows a similar incident involving former Indonesian Navy Marine Satria Arta Kumbara, who previously joined Russian forces as a mercenary. He later sought to have his citizenship restored, but no further information has emerged since his video confession drew public attention in mid-2025.

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