The idea for the ban was voiced by Roman Plugin, head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, during his annual report to the city parliament.
The tragedy at the "City Mall" shopping center occurred when the guards suspected the young man of theft. The conflict between them escalated into a fight, during which the visitor was knocked to the ground and held until the police arrived. Unfortunately, he later died in the hospital.
The Investigative Committee classified the actions of the guards as murder committed by a group of individuals. One of them has fled to Uzbekistan and is now wanted.
After the incident, checks were conducted to ensure compliance with migration legislation in the stores of this chain. As a result of the latest raid, 64 illegal workers were identified.
Roman Plugin noted that the retail chain is illegally employing migrants. He added that the second stage of inspections is currently underway, during which the chain's response to the raised issues is being assessed.
According to the head of the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs, under Russian law, foreigners are not allowed to work in private security companies. However, businesses find ways to circumvent this ban by officially employing migrants in other positions. The new law will come into effect on September 1, 2026.
Plugin also reported on the preparation of an initiative that proposes a complete ban on the employment of migrants in the retail and wholesale trade. He noted that in 2025, about five thousand employees with patents worked in stores, many of whom were employed illegally.
It is worth noting that there is already a ban on the employment of migrants in taxis and delivery services in St. Petersburg. This ban applies to workers from visa-free countries such as Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Moldova, and Ukraine.
