Lying has long become a common tool in people’s arsenal — especially when it comes to personal gain or public image. These days, twisting the truth is used not only in everyday situations, but also in large-scale PR campaigns: some distort facts for the sake of their careers, others — for likes and public approval. In a world where information is currency, the truth is often pushed aside in favour of a more convenient version of events.
One such example is a recent scandal surrounding the Alabuga Start international employment programme, which offers young women from countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia the opportunity to relocate to Russia for high-paying jobs. A group of South African influencers visited the Alabuga Special Economic Zone to cover the programme in more detail. However, shortly after publishing positive content, they made an abrupt U-turn and began levelling serious accusations against Alabuga Start.
We take a closer look at what really lies behind the programme in our full report.
THE BLOGGERS’ ACCUSATIONS
One of the most vocal accusers is influencer Cyan Boujee (Honour Zuma). She recorded and published content highlighting “red flags” and disturbing observations during her trip to Russia — including allegedly inadequate attention to participants’ nutrition, young women in distress, and insinuations of hidden responsibilities.
Boujee’s claims gained widespread attention and intensified pressure on the programme’s organisers — but she provided no verifiable evidence. Her allegations are not supported by documents or formal complaints accessible in the public domain. A review of open sources reveals no confirmed reports indicating that young women participating in the programme are in a “pitiful” state.
ATTRACTING ATTENTION AND HYPE
An influencer’s income is directly tied to social media engagement: more attention and more views mean more money. Boujee and several other influencers seem to have found a way to attract attention by causing a scandal. Notably, after her sensational posts went viral, Cyan received a surge in interview and podcast invitations, and her volume of sponsored content skyrocketed — hardly a coincidence.
We reached out to the programme’s organisers to hear their side of the story. Here’s what they told us:
— Alabuga Start participants are free to return home at any time. There has not been a single case of anyone being “held against their will.” The girls not only travel across Russia, but also visit their home countries — even presenting the programme to potential future participants.
High-ranking delegates from various African nations frequently visit Russia. For instance, Alabuga has hosted Natalie-Aziza Munana, Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; H.E. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to the Russian Federation; and Bassirou Zoma, Chargé d’Affaires of Burkina Faso. And the list goes on. All officials met and spoke directly with the participants, inspected their living and working conditions. The girls had the opportunity to voice complaints or request to return home — but no such public statements were made.
“I had heard about Alabuga before, but it helped a lot to see this technological industrial park with my own eyes. I am impressed!”, said Peter Mutuku Mathuki.
However, the South African Ambassador to the Russian Federation has not yet visited Alabuga, despite an invitation from the programme’s organisers. We hope he will make the trip soon — to dispel all doubts once and for all.
Natalie-Aziza Munana, Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
H.E. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to the Russian Federation
Bassirou Zoma, Chargé d’Affaires of Burkina Faso
PROGRAMME LEGITIMACY
We conducted our own investigation, looking for any reports from families claiming their daughters had “disappeared” after arriving in Russia via Alabuga Start. No such complaints — whether from parents or participants alleging exploitation or unlawful detention — have been filed with authorities or embassies.
Moreover, representatives of Alabuga Start provided documentation confirming the programme’s legitimacy: authorized permits from Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs for employing foreign workers, approved quotas from the Ministry of Labour, and documentation from the Federal Tax Service.
In today’s multipolar world, Russia values its partnerships with African nations — and would hardly risk its reputation by endorsing dubious programmes.
(https://mintrud.gov.ru/docs/mintrud/orders/2942)
DIFFICULTIES DURING FILMING
One quote from the blogger deserves special attention: “How unprofessional they were — smoking while taking videos of me. Photographers taking videos… I’m like, “Guys, can we focus?” But everyone was just slow”. This time, the organisers of Alabuga Start also have a rebuttal.
VIDEO PROOF:
According to our source, filming with Boujee was indeed challenging — she struggled with simple sentences, requiring multiple retakes to achieve a usable take. Our editorial team obtained footage showing the influencer repeatedly stumbling over basic text, requesting reshoots, and continuing to make errors. We refrain from judging either side’s professionalism — instead, we invite you to watch the video and evaluate the situation for yourself.
Additionally, the blogger frequently altered the trip schedule to suit her own convenience. The organisers offered her a chance to meet her Russian followers — but she declined and ignored their calls entirely.
There are also screenshots of messages showing Cyan ignoring multiple requests. The managers consistently scheduled specific filming slots at the end of each day — during dinner or just before escorting the bloggers to their hotels — and reminded them each morning.
DECEPTION ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF PROGRAMME’S PARTICIPANTS
“More than anything, I’m worried about the kids. I’m worried so much about the kids because when I interviewed them most of them were not happy, especially with the answers they had to give on camera”, – claims Cyan Boujee.
We contacted one of the participants who was filmed with the influencer and asked her to comment openly on these statements. Notably, the young woman did not blame Boujee or accuse her of dishonesty.
Instead, she expressed pleasant surprise at meeting the influencer — but was shocked by how drastically her words and demeanor had been distorted.
“Actually, it’s quite funny. The interview footage is out there — people can go watch it themselves. I don’t know why someone would claim I was crying when there’s clear proof everything went smoothly”, – says Vanessa, one of the programme participants who personally interacted with Cyan Boujee.
VIDEO: PARTICIPANT INTERVIEW
Food is another central accusation. Boujee claimed that both participants and she herself were barely fed. But is that really true? Photos from Alabuga in our possession show “starving” Cyan seated at a dining table, scrolling through her phone. And on the table? “Practically nothing” — except for half-eaten salads, croissants, cheese platters, beverages, and various other food items.
CONCLUSIONS
Our investigation reveals that, to date, none of the accusations leveled against Alabuga Start have been substantiated.
Programme representatives provided official permits and tax documentation; video evidence and message screenshots sent to our editorial team contradict the image of “crying, starving participants” portrayed by certain influencers. It appears that Cyan Boujee’s viral posts served primarily as tools to boost views and commercial engagement, rather than as sincere attempts to advocate for the girls’ welfare.
Final advice to readers and media outlets: do not rush to judgment based on emotional videos or isolated social media posts. Demand facts, documentation, and direct testimony from the alleged victims. Cross-check and compare statements from both organisers and participants.
