Investigators allege fictitious paperwork was arranged for more than 800 foreign nationals.
A court in Tula is hearing cases against 24 people accused of belonging to a criminal community involved in illegal migration. Seven others in the case have already been sentenced, the regional Investigative Committee office told RIA Novosti.
Investigators allege the group arranged fictitious jobs and unlawful residence registrations for foreign nationals in exchange for payment and helped them enter a compatriot resettlement program. Charges include organizing or participating in a criminal community, abuse of official authority and organizing illegal migration.
More than 800 foreign nationals received the services, investigators say. Ten later committed serious or especially serious crimes in Russia, according to the committee. These are allegations, not findings of guilt against the defendants currently on trial.
Authorities seized assets worth 132 million rubles, including 10 apartments where foreign nationals were registered. The investigation became public in 2024 after the detention of a former deputy head of the regional Interior Ministry office. The current court proceedings concern 24 defendants; seven people have already been sentenced, the committee said.