Illegal migrant employment scheme exposed in Moscow

north_east

The Russian National Guard’s special forces, together with the Federal Security Service and police, have dismantled an illegal migration network in Moscow, the Guard’s press service reported.

According to the investigation, the group used fake documents to legalize the stay of more than 3,000 foreign citizens in Russia. The illegal scheme involved fictitious employment of migrants in shell companies.

During the inspection, fake employment contracts, counterfeit company seals, and other material evidence were seized. Employees of a recruitment agency and a Moscow construction firm were detained on suspicion of involvement in the illegal activity.

On October 16, Interior Ministry spokesperson Irina Volk also reported a similar case. According to her, law enforcement officers detained construction company employees in Moscow, suspected of registering migrants through a sham company. This scheme allegedly allowed migrants to extend their stay and obtain official registration.

The fraudulent operation also enabled the suspects to evade taxes and insurance payments. As a result, investigators opened a criminal case for organizing illegal migration under Article 322.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison.

It is worth noting that starting from March 1, 2026, migrants entering Russia will be required to undergo testing for acute hepatitis and viral hepatitis types B, C, and D.