In Chelyabinsk, in addition to conductors, vigilantes in camouflage uniforms and with Z stripes came out to raid against free riders in public transport. Photos and videos from the raid were published by the city's bus depot.
The footage shows at least two vigilantes with Z chevrons. One of them had a balaclava and cap on his face. Other men in camouflage were also wearing reflective vests. Representatives of the mayor’s office said that it was the choice of the combatants themselves and that “the dress code was not dictated to them.”
On August 24, the regional parliament increased fines for ticketless travel five times — from 500 to 2,500 rubles (Article 10 law of the Chelyabinsk region on administrative offenses). After that, raids in the city became more frequent: if in the first six months of 2023 protocols were drawn up for 68 people, then in one week in August — already 880 people.