Moscow police have previously stated they do not view voyeurism as a "mass phenomenon," often citing a lack of formal reports from victims.
Beyond individual criminal acts, "voyeurism" in a broader sense describes the Russian state's pervasive monitoring of its citizens, which has intensified significantly since February 2022.
Serious criminological studies on the topic are scarce; it is primarily researched by psychologists and sexologists rather than legal scholars. State Voyeurism: Surveillance and Informing russian voyeur
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This report summarizes the phenomenon of voyeurism in Russia, addressing it as both a criminal act and a facet of the country's extensive state surveillance apparatus. Legal and Social Context of Voyeurism Moscow police have previously stated they do not
Historically, voyeurs remained a largely invisible community in Russia. Despite hundreds of women being targeted annually by hidden cameras in public spaces—such as the high-profile case involving bathroom cameras in the "Shokoladnitsa" cafe chain—convictions remain rare.
If you need to report a crime or violation of civil rights related to these issues, you can use official channels such as the Department of Justice Civil Rights Reporting Portal or contact the FBI for matters involving U.S. citizens or international exploitation. State Voyeurism: Surveillance and Informing Report a Crime
There has been a resurgence of Soviet-style informing, with approximately 300,000 denunciations registered in the first year of the war in Ukraine. Citizens frequently report neighbors or colleagues for "unpatriotic" behavior or criticizing the government.