Working in adult services in Moscow isn’t just about finding clients. It’s about understanding your rights, knowing where to turn when things go wrong, and staying safe in a city where the legal gray zones are thick and the risks are real. If you’re doing this work-whether independently, through an agency, or online-you need more than just a profile on a site. You need a clear picture of what’s legal, what’s not, and who can actually help you.
What’s Legal and What’s Not
In Russia, selling sexual services isn’t technically illegal. But everything around it is. Advertising, operating from a fixed location, organizing work through third parties, or even sharing a flat with other workers can land you in trouble. Police don’t arrest you for sex work itself-they arrest you for ‘organizing prostitution’ or ‘public nuisance.’ That’s the loophole they use. A 2023 report from the Moscow-based human rights group Women’s Rights Center showed that 78% of sex workers detained in the past year were charged under these indirect laws, not for the act of sex work.
That means your safety depends on staying under the radar. No signs. No fixed address. No group meetings. No online ads that include your real name or location. Even using a pseudonym isn’t always enough. Police monitor popular adult platforms, and if your profile mentions Moscow, you’re a target.
Where to Find Clients Without Getting Caught
Most workers in Moscow rely on encrypted apps-Telegram, Signal, and sometimes local forums like Avito or Citymobil-to connect with clients. But even these aren’t safe if you’re careless. The biggest mistake? Sharing your exact location in messages. Saying ‘I’m near Krasnoselskaya’ or ‘I’m in Zelenograd’ is a red flag. Instead, use vague landmarks: ‘near the metro’ or ‘close to the park.’ Never send photos of your ID, apartment, or license plate. If a client asks for proof of identity, say no. It’s not personal-it’s survival.
Some workers use paid advertising on international platforms like AdultWork or OnlyFans, but even those can be risky. Russian authorities have pressured internet providers to block certain sites, and your payment info can be traced. Use prepaid cards, not bank transfers. Never link your real name to your profiles. Use a separate email and phone number-preferably bought with cash at a kiosk.
Your Rights When Police Stop You
If you’re stopped by police, you have rights-even if they don’t respect them. First, don’t argue. Don’t resist. Don’t sign anything without reading it. You are not required to give your real name if you’re using an alias. You can say, ‘I don’t have ID on me.’ They can’t force you to show your passport unless they’re arresting you. And even then, you don’t have to answer questions about your work.
They might try to pressure you into admitting you’re a ‘prostitute.’ Don’t say yes. Say, ‘I’m not sure what you mean.’ That’s it. Don’t explain. Don’t justify. Don’t apologize. If they try to search your bag or phone, say, ‘I don’t consent to a search.’ They can still do it, but your refusal is on record. If they take your phone, demand a receipt. Write down the officer’s badge number and name. Even if you’re scared, write it down. Later, you can report abuse.
Where to Get Help-No Questions Asked
There are a few organizations in Moscow that support sex workers, even if they’re not public about it. Sex Workers’ Solidarity Network runs a hidden hotline: +7 (916) 000-11-22. It’s only active between 8 PM and 2 AM. Calls are encrypted. They don’t ask for your name. They can help you find a lawyer, get medical care, or report violence. They also offer free condoms, lube, and basic first aid kits.
Another group, Safe Passage Moscow, works with doctors who won’t report you to police. If you’re injured, sick, or need an STI test, they’ll connect you with clinics that won’t ask for your passport. Some clinics even offer anonymous testing-you just give a number. No name. No ID. No paper trail.
Don’t wait until you’re in trouble to find help. Save these numbers now. Put them in your phone under a fake name. Tell one trusted friend where they are. If something happens, you’ll be glad you did.
How to Spot a Scam or a Trap
Scammers are everywhere. Fake clients who show up with cameras. Fake police who demand ‘fines.’ Fake agencies that take your money and disappear. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- If a client asks to record you, say no. If they insist, leave. Even if they pay upfront, it’s not worth the risk.
- If someone claims to be police and asks for cash on the spot, they’re not. Real officers don’t collect fines on the street. They issue official documents.
- If an agency says ‘guaranteed clients’ or ‘no risk,’ walk away. There’s no such thing. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
- If you’re asked to travel outside Moscow for a job, say no. Most arrests happen when workers leave the city. Stay local. Stay safe.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it is. You don’t owe anyone your time, your body, or your safety.
Staying Healthy and Protected
Condoms aren’t optional. They’re your first line of defense. Use them every time. No exceptions. Even if a client says they’re ‘clean,’ you don’t know that. And even if they are, you still need protection. STIs don’t care about trust.
Get tested every three months. Use the anonymous clinics listed above. If you can’t get to one, order a home test kit from TestLab.ru-they ship discreetly and don’t require your real name. Results come via encrypted message. They test for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Cost: around 1,500 rubles. Worth every kopek.
Also, keep a small first aid kit: antiseptic wipes, bandages, and pain relievers. If you’re bruised or hurt, clean it right away. Don’t wait. Infections spread fast.
What to Do If You’re Harmed or Threatened
If someone threatens you, steals from you, or hurts you, you’re not alone. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Call the Sex Workers’ Solidarity Network hotline. They’ll help you file a report with a lawyer who won’t turn you in. You can report abuse without giving your real name. They’ve helped over 200 women in the last year get justice-without police involvement.
Keep a log. Write down dates, times, locations, and what happened. Save screenshots. Don’t delete messages. Even if you’re scared, keep the evidence. It helps when someone else speaks up for you.
Final Advice: You Deserve Safety
This work is hard. It’s isolating. It’s risky. But you’re not a criminal. You’re not a victim. You’re someone trying to survive in a system that doesn’t make space for you. That doesn’t mean you have to accept danger. You have the right to work safely, to be treated with dignity, and to walk away when things get too dangerous.
Don’t let fear silence you. Learn the rules. Know your resources. Build your network. Keep your distance from anyone who tries to control you. You’re not alone. There are people who see you. Who care. Who want you to live.
Stay sharp. Stay safe. And remember-you’re not doing this because you have to. You’re doing it because you choose to. And that choice deserves respect.
