Russian Authorities Strip 398 Foreigners of Citizenship in 2023 for Criminal Activities

In 2023, the Russian authorities revoked the citizenship of 398 former foreigners who had committed crimes within the first six months of obtaining their Russian citizenship, according to TASS. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The new law called the “Citizenship” law came into effect on October 26, 2023 in Russia and allows for the deprivation of Russian citizenship from foreigners who engage in activities such as discrediting the Russian army, spreading fake information, sabotage, defection, anti-Russian activities, espionage, treason, violating laws related to foreign agents, as well as hooliganism and falsification of important documents.

The first case of citizenship deprivation occurred just two months after the law was enacted in December 2023 when two individuals were arrested with packages containing drugs. While judgments were made in their cases, the sentences were not announced. Subsequently, they were stripped of their Russian citizenship.

This new law serves as a warning to all individuals who hold Russian citizenship to abide by the laws of the country to avoid facing similar consequences. The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasizes that this measure is necessary to prevent further harm to Russia and its people and ensure that those who misuse their Russian citizenship or engage in criminal activities face severe consequences.