Electrostal raid on Wildberries warehouse raises questions about immigration and labor law enforcement

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Law enforcement officers conducted a large-scale inspection at a warehouse operated by the Wildberries market in Elektrostal, located in the Moscow Region. In the early hours of November 24, riot police moved to the site, initiating steps that disrupted routine operations at the facility. The unusual activity drew attention from local residents and market workers alike, as authorities proceeded with what appeared to be a formal check of compliance with federal regulations.

Witness accounts indicated that several dozen security personnel detained individuals who were identified as illegal migrants or recent Russian citizens. Russian law requires new passport holders to enlist in the army promptly after receiving citizenship; those who do not comply are typically directed to the military registration and enlistment office for processing. The raid underscored ongoing scrutiny of immigration compliance that correlates with labor regulations at major commercial hubs.

Telegram updates suggested that Wildberries staff were not allowed to access the warehouse during the operation, and some employees who raised questions were transported away by bus. As a result, activities related to loading and unloading of goods may experience delays, affecting the flow of merchandise through the logistics chain.

Reports stated that about 150 people were detained during the operation and transported to police facilities by private buses. Subsequent information indicated that Wildberries staff were directed to the military registration and enlistment offices for further processing. The check appeared to be ongoing, and for the duration of the inspection the warehouse remained closed to workers, with restricted entry and exit.

The head of the Moscow Region Ministry of Internal Affairs department discussed the raid on the Fryazevo railway station area in Elektrostal. The investigation reportedly identified foreigners who violated immigration and labor laws, and a protocol was issued against several individuals for breaches relating to residence, unauthorized labor activity, and immigration rules. The authorities emphasized that consequences followed established legal procedures and would be applied consistently.

According to a spokesperson, fines for noncompliance ranged from two to five thousand rubles, and three illegal migrants were deported. The statements were provided by the head of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Whether the Fryazevo station operation was connected to the Wildberries checks was not made explicit during the briefing.

In communications with RIA News, the market’s press service confirmed that employee documents were reviewed and that some workers who passed the checks returned to work. They noted that, in some areas of the logistics center, there could be interruptions in loading and unloading as a result of the verification. Wildberries management pledged to assist the police and to implement measures aimed at restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.

Agency Interfax reported that as many as eight thousand warehouse workers could not begin their shifts due to the ongoing inspection. It was stated that hundreds of thousands of sellers’ products were not being shipped during the disruption, and this situation carried the potential to cause substantial financial losses for entrepreneurs during peak trading periods. A law enforcement source described the work at the marketplace warehouse area as part of an operation focused on immigration enforcement and labor compliance, noting that the activity was conducted under the umbrella of a broader initiative described as Operation Immigrant.

Blueberries already checked

Another similar check targeted the warehouse belonging to the Belaya Dacha company, with action logged on October 30. The Moscow Region Investigation Directorate reported that during the probe one of the individuals insulted a police officer, which led to a criminal case being opened. The operation highlighted the ongoing emphasis on enforcement of immigration and labor laws across key logistics facilities.

Past actions under the broader program identified as Operation Illegal involved coordinated efforts during the summer and autumn months, resulting in the deportation of about 15 thousand illegal migrants. An official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs indicated that such measures would continue to be implemented as part of ongoing policy. These developments reflect a sustained focus on immigration and labor law compliance within the region and across the federation, with authorities signaling a persistent commitment to enforcement.

Additionally, law enforcement agencies have been seeking Russian citizens who recently received passports but have not registered for military service. In August, more than 100 individuals were taken to military registration offices in Saint Petersburg to complete the required procedures. A parallel operation occurred in the Chuvashia region as part of the nationwide effort to ensure timely military registration and enlistment. The head of the Investigative Committee proposed potentially tougher measures for violators, including denaturalization for those who refuse to join the military service as Russian citizens. There was discussion about prioritizing new citizens for service in certain operations, reflecting a broader strategy to align citizenship status with civic obligations.

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