Police in Moscow recently conducted raids targeting “illegal migration,” the city’s Investigative Committee reported on Tuesday, without specifying when the operations took place.

According to the committee, officers searched hostels and prayer houses across the city in an effort to uncover “illegal migration channels.” More than 500 people were taken to police stations for screening.

Authorities said that over 30 people were deported for violating entry and residency rules. Investigators also reported finding one person who was wanted on a federal warrant.

Following the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in March 2024, the Russian authorities began tightening migration policies. Among other measures, they restricted the simplified process of obtaining a Russian residence permit through marriage, introduced a new deportation procedure, and banned migrant children who don’t speak Russian from enrolling in schools.

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