The police claim that the raids were part of a drug enforcement operation. Local media say that the clubs may have been reported to the police by local residents. According to the independent Russian news website Novaya Gazeta, the clubs involved were Central Station and Three Monkeys, which were hosting special events in honour of Coming Out Day.
Residents allegedly complained about "male guests" openly "kissing each other." Another complaint described "half-naked men dressed as women dancing." The owners of Three Monkeys were reportedly accused of "discrediting the military" during a drag show, which could result in the closure of the venues.
In addition to the 50 arrests, there were reports that some arrested visitors were treated harshly by the police, raising concerns among LGBT+ activists. The raids are seen as a further escalation of increasing repression against the LGBT+ community in Russia, especially following the introduction of stricter laws banning "LGBT+ propaganda."