In St. Petersburg, law enforcement authorities carried out a broad operation involving individuals suspected of participating in schemes that enabled foreign citizens to obtain legal status in Russia through dubious channels. A total of 30 people were detained and transported to a police station as part of the ongoing investigation. A criminal case was opened under the provision addressing the Organization of Illegal Migration within the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Official updates on the development of this case were provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs Media unit and circulated to the public as the inquiry progressed.
Speaking on the matter, Irina Volk, the official representative for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, explained that the suspects had established a commercial enterprise whose primary activity involved issuing certificates to foreign nationals. These certificates falsely asserted that recipients had completed required knowledge tests on topics including Russian history and the Russian language, as well as other elements mandated by Russian law. The alleged scheme involved collaboration with five university employees who participated in the preparation of the fraudulent documents. The fake documents were then used by foreigners to register for immigration and to gain permission to reside and work within Russia, enabling entry into the labor market under improper auspices.
According to the authorities, the individuals behind the operation charged clients 15,000 rubles for each set of forged tests. The scale of the enterprise appeared substantial, with the operation reportedly generating cash income estimated at around 7.5 million rubles per month through these illegal activities. The investigation has focused on unmasking the full network of participants and identifying any additional actors who may have been involved in enabling or profiting from the fraudulent documentation process.
During the searches, law enforcement officers targeted branch offices of the commercial entity as well as the homes of the defendants. According to Volk, investigators seized electronic storage devices, more than 3 million rubles in cash, various documents, and other items deemed evidentiary in nature. These seizures are expected to provide crucial material for validating the charges and understanding the breadth of the operation. The authorities indicated that all accomplices involved in the illicit activity are being pursued to ensure that the full scope of the scheme is uncovered and stopped, and that those responsible face accountability in accordance with the law.
In related developments, law enforcement actions continue to focus on identifying and dismantling networks that facilitate illegal migration and document fraud. The ongoing work highlights the persistent attention dedicated to border security, residency regulations, and the integrity of administrative procedures governing immigration. The authorities have emphasized that investigations remain active and that further updates will be provided as the case progresses, with a commitment to transparency and public safety.
Earlier, law enforcement conducted another notable operation involving a major e-commerce logistics facility in the Moscow region, where an extensive raid targeted a warehouse facility. Details of that operation were released by the police at the time, and authorities stressed that multiple lines of inquiry were being pursued in parallel to address different facets of illicit activity connected to immigration and identity documentation. The public is reminded that any information related to such cases may be reported through official channels, while maintaining caution to avoid spreading unverified rumors that could hinder investigations or endanger ongoing enforcement actions.