The ministry said on its Web site (www.mvd.ru) that the group had used false documents to import the meat, which was put into refrigerators in Moscow and around the city and later sold to consumers.
Its origins and safety was being checked, the ministry said.
Russia's animal and plant health watchdog Rossedlkhoznadzor could not be reached for comment.
The leader of the group was detained and other members signed an obligation not to leave their hometowns, the statement said without providing names and other details.
Russia imported 1.3 million tonnes of red meat worth $4.1 billion in 2010. (Reuters)
