"We have freed about 50 people in a sting operation conducted last Saturday in the village of Chulkovo in the Moscow Region and arrested two Azeri nationals suspected in human trafficking," the statement said.

According to police, the hostages, both men and women, after arriving in Russia were beaten, raped and forced to work as slaves for several months by a gang of Azerbaijani nationals.

"They were forced to work 12-14 hours per day sorting vegetables and fruit for sale at Moscow markets," police said. "They were rarely paid and were strictly forbidden from leaving the premises."

Five of the released victims are in poor health and need urgent medical treatment.

An investigation into suspected slave labor is pending, the statement said.

The suspects could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.