Moscow police detain three suspects in illegal migration scheme

The Interior Ministry says the group used more than 100 companies to arrange fraudulent paperwork. Two suspects were remanded in custody and the third placed under house arrest.

Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk announced the arrests on October 12. Investigators provisionally estimate that several thousand foreign nationals obtained unlawful legal status through the scheme.

According to the ministry, the suspected leader recruited clients and organised the sale of services. Accomplices allegedly supplied fraudulent employment contracts and medical record booklets for payment, along with accommodation and vehicles for taxi work.

Police say documents and payments changed hands at a showroom selling Kyrgyz national clothing in a Moscow shopping centre. Companies controlled by the group and other facilities allegedly gave the operation the appearance of a legitimate business.

A criminal investigation has been opened under Part 2 of Article 322.1 of Russia's Criminal Code, which covers organising illegal migration. The arrests and detention orders do not establish the suspects' guilt.