In Moscow, police raided the club-restaurant Simach on Tverskoy Boulevard on the night of August 23. According to Ostorozhno, Novosti, security forces turned off the music, blocked entrances and exits on both floors, and briefly prevented visitors from using the restroom.
Guests had their pockets, phone cases, and wallets checked for "prohibited substances." Force was used against several people, including a stun gun — one visitor was forced face-down on the floor. An eyewitness told the outlet that a young man in civilian clothes conducting the search "was rude in response to any question" and behaved aggressively.
The reason for the raid has not been given by sources. Ostorozhno, Novosti reports that visitors discussed a theory about the son of a wealthy man or blogger being denied entry, but there are no official comments.
Meanwhile, a raid took place at a nightclub in Petrozavodsk. Officers from the Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service (FSB), supported by OMON riot police from the National Guard, detained seven visitors — they were sent for medical examination for drug intoxication. Three minors were handed over to their parents, the Karelian police press service said.
According to ASTRA, the raid occurred at the NEOMA club on Fedosova Street. A reader of the outlet claims that security forces checked men's military registration documents and let women go. The Interior Ministry did not report this, and the club's social media did not comment on the raid.
The previous day, security forces raided the Day x Night music festival near Vyborg, detaining about 100 participants and organizers. The stated reason was "songs in support of Ukraine" and "calls for regime change," with no evidence provided. A festival participant said that during the raid, security forces beat people, used a stun gun, made homophobic jokes, and after searches, some visitors found money missing.