Russia Intensifies Migrant Crackdown in Moscow After Crocus City Attack

Moscow's law enforcement agencies have recently conducted large-scale raids on dormitories, hostels, and places of worship across the city, resulting in the detention of over 500 individuals. The operations, spearheaded by the Investigative Committee for Moscow, were explicitly aimed at "identifying and preventing illegal migration" and "stopping illegal migration."

Following screening at police departments, more than 30 individuals were either expelled or deported from Russia for violating entry rules and residency regulations. Authorities also confirmed that one of the detained individuals was on a wanted list, according to information cited by "CurrentTimeTV." The Investigative Committee has not yet disclosed the precise dates of these raids or the nationalities of those expelled.

These intensified measures come in the wake of the devastating terrorist attack at the "Crocus City" concert complex in March 2024. Russian investigative bodies had identified citizens of Tajikistan as the perpetrators of that attack, leading to a significant tightening of policies against foreigners and labor migrants across the country.

Beyond these recent large-scale operations, law enforcement agencies, often in collaboration with representatives of the nationalist "Russian Community" organization, continue to conduct periodic raids. These ongoing inspections target various public spaces, including markets, mosques, bathhouses, and cafes, signaling a sustained crackdown on migrant communities in Russia.