A court in St. Petersburg has delivered a verdict against 12 individuals accused of organizing illegal migration. According to the city prosecutor's office, members of the criminal group facilitated the illegal stay of foreigners in Russia between August 2015 and March 2024.
During the trial, it was determined that the defendants helped foreign citizens enter into sham marriages without the intention of starting a family. The group members themselves acted as "spouses." Once the marriage was registered, they assisted the foreigners in preparing the necessary documents and navigating the legalization process. In total, the status of at least 19 foreign citizens in Russia was illegally legalized through this scheme.
The court sentenced the defendants based on their actions. According to the verdict, sentences range from a 1-year and 10-month suspended sentence to 3 years and 6 months in a general regime penal colony.
As a result of measures taken by law enforcement agencies regarding this case, all sham marriages have been cancelled. It was also announced that the temporary residence permits (RVP) obtained by foreign citizens through this scheme have been revoked.
