Russian security forces stormed a Moscow swingers club in the early hours of Thursday, alleging violations under the country’s strict anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda laws. The raid targeted a themed event titled “MILFs of Ancient Greece” held at the club Bizarre.
While authorities have not confirmed whether arrests were made, images from the raid circulated widely, showing patrons lying face-down on the floor as armed officers took control of the venue. Despite the police presence, the club’s management stated it would re-open for business later the same day.
“It was absolutely nothing to worry about,” a club staff member told Novaya Gazeta. “It was a regular unscheduled inspection by our state authorities. They identified a number of minimal violations that do not affect the work of the club.”
The event and its raiding come amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+-friendly spaces across Russia. According to an investigation by independent outlet Current Time and human rights organisation Sphere, Russian police conducted at least 42 raids on such venues throughout 2024. These often involve beatings, forced detentions, and public humiliation based on gender expression and sexual identity.
In December 2024, dozens of patrons at clubs in Moscow — including Arma, Inferno, and Mono — were detained and later convicted of “hooliganism,” receiving administrative sentences. Video footage showed officers yelling at patrons, who were seated on the ground with their hands on their heads.
In one disturbing twist, several young men at Mono nightclub were reportedly issued military draft notices on the spot.
Earlier, in October 2024, police raided two more gay clubs, Central Station and Three Monkeys, detaining over 50 individuals. Photos from those raids show masked officers storming into venues and shouting commands.
Another troubling incident occurred in February 2024 in Tula, where security forces disrupted a party described as a night of “love, openness and sexuality.” Reports claim that “feminine-looking” men were dragged outside and beaten in the snow.
The surge in anti-LGBTQ+ raids has escalated since November 2023, when Russia’s Justice Ministry designated the “international LGBT public movement” as an extremist organisation. The move has been used to justify sweeping enforcement actions, including arrests and criminal charges for club staff and patrons alike.
In March 2023, following a raid in Orenburg, the nightclub’s art director and administrator were both charged with alleged affiliation to an extremist group.
Russian authorities have even gone so far as to shut down a My Little Pony fan convention, citing it as “LGBT propaganda.” Efforts to target LGBTQ+ communities have become increasingly systemic, with the development of a state-run electronic registry of LGBTQ+ individuals and collaboration with local tech firms to track related businesses.
