Scammers, robbers, and attackers are exploiting the “LGBT extremism” and “gay propaganda” laws to threaten LGBTQIA+ people and justify crimes against them. We found several recent cases illustrating how perpetrators weaponise these discriminatory laws. It might be a sign of escalating persecution of LGBTQIA+ people in Russia. As evidence from other countries shows, discriminatory laws become a tool of violence for both the state and non-state groups, such as vigilantes.