Tatarstan introduces ‘finders fee’ for persuading others to enlist in Russian military

The authorities in Tatarstan, a republic in Russia’s central Volga region, are offering financial incentives to residents who successfully persuade relatives or acquaintances to enlist in the Russian military, Telegram channel Govorit NeMoskva reported on Thursday.

According to a message posted by one military recruitment websiteon Tuesday, anybody bringing in somebody who signs up at a military enlistment centre is eligible to collect a “finder’s fee” of 50,000 rubles (€525). Though that sum was subsequently revised to 100,000 rubles (€1,050), the financial incentive remained for anyone instrumental in convincing an individual to sign a contract with the military in Tatarstan.

Govorit NeMoskva said the message had been advertised on local forums, newspaper websites, state media and government websites.

The authorities in Tatarstan have already increased the lump sum payment offered to newly enlisting recruits. Combined with other payments from the local authorities, a new recruit in the republic now stands to earn some 1.5 million rubles (€15,725) in signing bonuses, one of the highest amounts in the country.

Earlier this year, Tatarstan launched a new youth employment programme to encourage those aged 14 and up to work in the defence industry, state-affiliated business daily Kommersant reported in April, adding that the authorities were aiming to make it easier for minors, especially those from “families in a socially precarious situation”, to join the workforce.