Russian media reports says President Vladimir Putin said combating extremism, illegal immigration and organized crime, as well as ensuring public order, are the top priorities for the Russian Interior Ministry.

"I ask that particular attention be given to such priorities as ensuring public order, combating extremism and preventing illegal immigration, as well as police operations at the local precinct level and the Interior Ministry’s actions for neutralizing organized crime," Putin said at a meeting of the board of the Interior Ministry, which has oversight over Russia’s national police force, according to TASS.

He reportedly noted that the March board meetings of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Prosecutor General’s Office had also discussed the current activities and future goals of Russia’s law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, speaking at the meeting, the Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, in particular, noted on April 2 that about 110,000 illegal migrants were deported from Russia last year, which is 65 percent more than in 2022.    

According to the minister, the number of crimes committed by migrants decreased last year.   The number of murders reported decreased by 18 percent, thefts – by 14 percent, robberies – 32 percent.  Compared to 2022 there was a 22 percent reduction in the number of plunders.