Turkish Police Detain Dozens of Russian Women in Ankara Nightclub Raids

Nov. 4, 2026 Javid Hashimov / pexels More than 30 Russian women face deportation from Turkey on charges of violating public order and morality after being detained during police raids on nightclubs in Ankara, Russia’s Embassy in Turkey told state media on Wednesday. The 34 women were detained on Oct. 23, according to the TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies. They are reportedly being held at a deportation center in Ankara as they await a court hearing. “The Russian Embassy in Turkey took measures to secure consular access to the citizens, clarify the reasons for their detention and assess their holding conditions,” both outlets quoted the diplomatic mission as saying. Turkish law enforcement authorities confiscated the women’s mobile phones but allowed them to contact their relatives via landline phones. They are said to be represented by local legal counsel. The Baza Telegram news channel, which has links to Russia’s security services, reported that more than 100 women primarily from post-Soviet countries were detained in Turkey amid the nightclub raids. Citing one of the women’s friends, Baza reported that they were originally recruited abroad with promises of up to $2,500 in monthly salaries, work visas and accommodation in five-star hotels to perform as dancers, singers and DJs at nightclubs. However, the women were allegedly later forced to coerce guests into purchasing expensive drinks and spending time with patrons. The Moscow Times could not independently verify Baza’s report. Read more about: Turkey Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russians Evade Conscription in Istanbul as Mobilization Rumors Become Reality ISTANBUL — Alexander, 23, remembers panic-buying a ticket from St. Petersburg to this Turkish metropolis shortly after Russia launched its invasion... 4 Min read Two Kazakh, Turkish Airlines Suspend Russia Flights The companies made the decision because of uncertainties over insurance of aircraft bound for Russia, they said in separate press releases. Russia, Ukraine Fail to Make Progress at 'Difficult' Turkey Talks Ukraine's foreign minister voiced frustration that "it seems that there are other decision-makers for this matter in Russia." Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish Ministers to Meet Thursday Turkey has sought to mediate between Russia and Ukraine and offered on several occasions to host talks at leaders' level or technical discussions.