Recently, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen named Alexa Rae was detained by Russia’s Federal Protective Service (FSO) near the state residence of President Vladimir Putin in Novo-Ogaryovo, a suburb just outside Moscow.
The arrest happened several weeks ago, but the exact date is still unknown. According to reports, Rae was caught in an area strictly off-limits to the public and couldn’t explain why she was there.
She doesn’t speak Russian, making it harder for her to clarify her presence.
Following her detainment, she was handed over to the police for further investigation.
A Tourist with Frequent Visits
Alexa Rae is no stranger to Russia, having visited the country several times in the past.
She’s currently in Russia on a tourist visa and had been staying at a hotel in Krasnogorsk, a small town near Moscow, since late 2024.
However, she left the hotel on December 31, when it closed for the New Year holidays.
Despite her frequent visits, it’s unclear whether she will face any charges or if she was simply questioned and then released.
What Is Novo-Ogaryovo?
Novo-Ogaryovo is not just any residence; it’s an official state facility and a high-security area where Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, hosts important meetings.
Originally a 19th-century estate, the property has gone through several reconstructions and has been serving as the official residence since 2000.
This is where Putin holds critical discussions with both Russian officials and foreign leaders.
The site, located near the village of Usovo in Moscow Oblast, is off-limits to the public, surrounded by a high fence, and under constant surveillance.
No unauthorized individuals can access the property, and even the use of mobile phones is prohibited.
Presidential Meetings and Controversies
In 2024, Putin held informal discussions at Novo-Ogaryovo with high-profile figures like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
These meetings have been described as highly significant, reflecting the close relationships between the leaders.
Yet, despite its role in global diplomacy, the residence has also been a point of controversy, with rumors of large-scale construction projects like hotels, hospitals, and a bridge across the Moscow River.
These claims were denied by the Kremlin, although such reports sparked widespread speculation.
A Zone of Strict Security
Novo-Ogaryovo is notorious for its strict security protocols.
The area is heavily guarded by the FSO, and any attempt to approach or capture images is strongly prohibited.
The estate is surrounded by a six-meter-high fence, and surveillance cameras ensure that nothing goes unnoticed. Even the use of mobile phones is tightly restricted.
Despite this, there have been occasional photos circulating online, showing glimpses of the property’s park, mansion, and surroundings.
The FSO has responded by tightening security measures further, including banning photography, limiting phone use, and even preventing geotagging of the area.
This makes Novo-Ogaryovo a zone where only authorized visitors are allowed, and uninvited guests are not welcomed.
What’s Next?
With this incident involving a foreign visitor near such a heavily protected site, the question remains whether Alexa Rae will face further legal action.
As of now, it’s uncertain what the outcome will be, but the situation has definitely drawn attention to the heightened security around Russia’s most important state residence.