Influencers from Brazil promoted the Alabuga Start internship program via their TikTok accounts, offering housing, monthly payments, and Russian language classes to women aged 18 to 22.

An investigation by Bloomberg showed that this internship was actually a recruitment scheme involving the Alabuga industrial zone, which produces drones used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine. In addition, workers at the factory faced hazardous conditions and were required to work overtime under military supervision.

Business and Human Rights Centre invited TikTok to respond. The company response is available below.