I joined as a cadet through Briese and did not pay anyone for the placement. I have been working for three years, and no one has asked me for money during that time.
I tried to get my first voyage as a cadet through Briese, but I was unable to do so. Their cadet recruitment system is competitive, so the chances of getting a first placement seem limited.
I was offered cadet vacancies, but when they heard that I was Russian, they immediately refused me. This was a clear refusal to hire based on nationality.