NCJ Number
167434
Journal
Gazette Volume: 58 Issue: 10 Dated: (1996) Pages: 4-10
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The organized crime that has emerged in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) differs significantly from that in the times of Lenin, Stalin, Breshnev, and Gorbachev.
Abstract
Crime under Lenin and Stalin mainly involved traditional thieves who lived in virtual isolation from society. Corruption flourished under Breshnev. Criminals turned to legitimate enterprise under Gorbachev through commercial privatization. Organized crime currently consists of an alliance among career criminals; former Soviet intelligence officers; and conspicuously wealthy, quasi-legitimate business people, who may use their financial resources to emigrate to the West. This modern alliance often openly participates in the economic and political affairs of the country. This alliance has also become international and therefore represents a unique challenge to law enforcement in Europe and North America.