Overview
- Marcelo Alexandre da Silva Pereira, 29, traveled to Moscow on December 3 believing he would work as a driver, according to his family.
- Relatives say he was compelled on December 9 to sign a Russian-language Defense Ministry contract to serve as a marksman using an AK-74, with no salary specified.
- He speaks only Portuguese and has no military experience, and he sent photos of the contract to his wife after signing it.
- Brazil’s embassy in Moscow is providing consular assistance, and the family was told a petition for his return would be sent.
- Contact has been sporadic, last on December 31 via Telegram, and his location is unconfirmed as the family suspects he may be in Ukraine for training.