What started as a police raid in a northern Moscow bathhouse has spiraled into a full-blown international scandal—complete with accusations of racism, diplomatic friction, and emotional public backlash.
And yes, there’s even a sauna involved.
25 Kyrgyz Migrants Detained in Russian Bathhouse Raid
On April 14, Russian authorities carried out a raid at the Bodrost bathhouse complex in northern Moscow.
They detained 59 foreign nationals, including 25 Kyrgyz migrants accused of violating residency rules.
Some were allegedly working without proper documentation or contracts, triggering administrative charges that could lead to deportation.
The Russian Interior Ministry insisted that the officers acted lawfully during the operation.
Still, the incident struck a nerve back in Kyrgyzstan, where many saw it as yet another example of mistreatment toward Central Asian migrants.
Kyrgyz Government Responds to the “Bathhouse Scandal”
Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev acknowledged the situation, pointing out that the scandal’s media spotlight could be a strategic moment for Kyrgyz diplomacy.
Speaking to reporters, he said the publicity had “opened the door” for renewed negotiations with Moscow and even hinted at the chance to pressure Russia with an ultimatum.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyz MP Altynbek Kylychbayev urged fellow citizens to stay in their homeland rather than seek jobs abroad, but Kulubaev was quick to note the reality: Kyrgyzstan needs to improve education and create local jobs before expecting people to stop leaving for work.
Bathhouse Owner Allegedly Rejected Russian Clients
One reason the raid drew particular attention is that media reports suggested the bathhouse was owned by a Kyrgyz businessman who catered only to fellow Kyrgyz nationals, reportedly turning away Russian patrons.
That added fuel to the public debate, with some seeing the police raid as racially motivated retaliation.
Following the arrests, Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to demand answers.
But despite the outrage, the detained migrants themselves refused to file formal complaints—likely out of fear of deportation or worse.
“They’re Scared,” Say Kyrgyz Lawmakers
According to MP Kylychbayev, this kind of treatment isn’t new.
He pointed out that similar situations have been happening since the 1990s, and migrants often stay silent because they fear retaliation.
“Of course they won’t complain—they’re scared,” he said.
Why So Many Kyrgyz Citizens Work in Russia
For many Kyrgyz families, working in Russia isn’t a choice—it’s a lifeline.
With limited opportunities at home, Russia has long been the go-to destination for migrant labor.
It’s easier to access due to visa-free travel, a shared language, and historical ties dating back to the Soviet Union.
Most Kyrgyz migrants in Russia take on jobs in construction, retail, or transportation—fields that pay significantly more than similar work back home.
Remittances from these workers now make up a big chunk of Kyrgyzstan’s economy.
Domestic Challenges Are Pushing People to Leave
Despite promises from the Kyrgyz government to create jobs and stabilize the economy, progress has been slow.
Unemployment remains high, and the country’s mountainous geography makes it difficult to develop major industries.
Political instability and reliance on foreign aid haven’t helped either.
So until there are enough good-paying jobs at home, people will continue looking to Russia—despite the risk of discrimination, exploitation, and legal uncertainty.
A Long, Complicated History Between Two Nations
Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia, has deep historical roots tied to Russia.
Once part of the Russian Empire and later a Soviet republic, it became independent in 1991.
Though sovereignty brought new freedoms, it also came with economic hardship.
Still, the post-Soviet relationship between Kyrgyzstan and Russia has remained strong in many areas. That’s why incidents like the bathhouse scandal—however strange or specific—carry weight far beyond what they first appear to be.b