Moscow warehouse raid leads to dozens detained, checked for military service
In the Moscow region, police and the Russian Guard raided a Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal. Several individuals were detained and transported to the military registration and enlistment office.
12:12 PM EDT, March 27, 2024
Employees shared videos from the scene on the Elektrostal Wildberries company's internal channel. The warehouse employs thousands of migrants, and the Russian National Guard is verifying their work permits, residence permits, and military IDs.
Dozens detained
"Those lacking the necessary documents are placed into prison vans and taken to the military registration and enlistment office," reports Baza, noting that approximately 20 individuals were detained.
The Astra channel reports that police used sticks to subdue resisting workers.
"They are identifying individuals eligible for military service and those evading it. Those evading are taken away without consent. Resisters face police baton charges," said warehouse workers to Astra.
Authorities previously stated that efforts to "enhance control over the migrant influx" were expected to intensify, especially following an attack on Crocus City Hall.
According to Mash channel, 15 people were arrested during the raid; Astra reports that "dozens" were detained. In total, at least 5,000 workers underwent checks.
"Screenings of foreign nationals working in Russia and instances of aggressive xenophobia have increased following the terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall, attributed to citizens of Tajikistan," reports Deutsche Welle.
Security force raids at migrant gathering spots may prompt employers to strengthen employment conditions. The likelihood of conscripting these individuals for military service is diminishing—suspect persons are more likely to be deported, implying the Russian army won't expand using their contributions. The 'special operation' is also expected to change, according to the Brief channel.
