On January 15, 2025, a joint operation of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Investigative Committee (IC), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and the Russian National Guard was carried out in the Prince Plaza shopping center in southwest Moscow, aimed at identifying violations of migration legislation. During the raid, 426 foreign citizens were detained for being on the territory of the Russian Federation in violation of the established rules.
As part of the operation, law enforcement agencies also detained three suspects in organizing illegal migration. According to the investigation, they legalized the stay of foreign citizens under the guise of a hairdressing salon and a phone repair shop. During the searches, counterfeit migration documents and stamps on crossing the state border were found. It is assumed that it was possible to obtain counterfeit documents only upon recommendation, which indicates the conspiratorial nature of the group's activities.
The 426 migrants detained for violating migration laws may be deported from Russia in the near future. Decisions on expulsion will be made in accordance with current legal norms and procedures.
This case reflects the general trend towards tightening migration control in Russia. Since January 1, 2025, restrictions have been introduced in the Moscow Region on the use of foreign citizens working under a patent in a number of areas, including the sale of alcohol and tobacco products, street trading, social services, sports, culture, healthcare and education. Such measures are aimed at reducing the number of violations and ensuring the safety of citizens.
In addition, from February 5, 2025, a law will come into force in Russia that provides for the expulsion of foreign citizens without trial, as well as the creation of a register of controlled persons. Persons included in this register will be limited in their rights to change their place of residence, leave the region, drive vehicles, purchase real estate, marry, as well as receive loans and open bank accounts.
According to the Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP), more than 2024 migrants were forcibly deported from Russia in 80 for violating migration rules. In St. Petersburg alone, in the first eight days of January 2025, courts reviewed 116 protocols on violations of migration legislation, as a result of which 87 people were deported from the country.