Dozens detained in immigration raid near Sennoy Market in St. Petersburg

An immigration raid is under way in central St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, on a block of Moskovsky Prospekt near Sennoy Market. The block has been cordoned off by OMON, Russia's riot police. Journalists report that several dozen people have been detained. The raid matters because it targets not only migrants but also whether recently naturalized Russian citizens have registered for military service.

What is being checked

The cordoned-off block includes a prayer room attended by about 1,000 worshipers, a law enforcement source told TASS, a Russian state news agency. Officers are also inspecting nearby hostels and cafes. They are checking registration documents, migration cards and work permits.

Role of enlistment officers

Military enlistment officers are also participating in the operation. They are verifying whether people who recently received Russian citizenship have registered with the military. According to the TASS source, several dozen people have so far been identified and handed summonses to report to a military enlistment office for registration.

The information comes from a TASS source and from journalists at the scene; no official summary of the raid has been cited.