ST. PETERSBURG, May 30 (RIA Novosti) - A criminal case can be launched against a resident of Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg, who has registered about 2,750 foreign nationals in his apartment, a spokeswoman for the regional police department said on Thursday.
Under Russian laws, foreigners should register with migration authorities at the place of their temporary residence within three workdays. The host party, which helps a foreigner to obtain the registration, undertakes responsibility for his or her guest.
“This is not the first time this person draws our attention. He has earlier been subjected to an administrative action for a similar offense,” spokeswoman Darya Kazankova said, adding that this time the apartment owner faces criminal charges.
Though the man faces up to five years in jail, no Russian court has ever handed down a prison sentence on these charges.
None of the 2,750 foreigners registered at that address lived at there presumed place of residence, Kazanova said, adding that such unlawful actions hinder the work of police and migration authorities.
She said that the Federal Migration Service has established at least a hundred of similar apartments, where foreigners can obtain a temporary registration for a fee of some 1,000-1,500 rubles ($32-$47).
