Russian security forces detained 300 foreign nationals in central Moscow during a major immigration enforcement operation, according to the Investigative Committee of Russia. The raid reportedly targeted a hostel where over 400 migrants were residing.
The operation, supported by the Avangard special unit of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya), was conducted in coordination with the military investigative department of the Investigative Committee, the press center of Rosgvardiya reported on August 5.
Authorities reportedly inspected migration cards, passports, and work permits. Of the 400 individuals checked in the hostel, 300 were detained for suspected violations of immigration laws and taken to police stations for further investigation.
Oleg Vlasov, a representative of the Investigative Committee, stated that more than 750 people were checked overall during the operation, with 20 individuals transferred to Moscow military enlistment offices.
Video footage and media reports suggest that most of those detained are citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, many of whom were working in the construction sector.
In a statement to Kun.uz, Ahror Burkhanov, a representative of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed that Uzbek authorities are aware of the situation and are coordinating with their embassy in Moscow and other relevant bodies.
This is not the first such operation. In June, a similar raid targeted a migrant dormitory in Moscow. Following that incident, Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency advised citizens facing rights violations to immediately contact its representative office in Russia.
Uzbekistan’s embassy in Moscow also sent an official note to the Russian Foreign Ministry requesting a legal assessment of the actions taken by Moscow law enforcement.
