NCJ Number
155642
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 62 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1995) Pages: 18-21
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the growing problem of organized crime in the states of the former Soviet Union.
Abstract
Organized crime in the states of the former Soviet Union has become a source of growing concern since 1990. A short summary of the problems includes: (1) a steep rise in the level of organized criminal activity in Russia and the other newly independent states, as well as in former Warsaw Pact nations; (2) crime that is highly organized, often along ethnic lines, and includes individuals accustomed to dealing with the risk of detection by either corruption or shocking violence; (3) highly entrepreneurial activity by persons experienced in black marketeering; (4) organized criminal activity which has seeped into every area of society; and (5) the development of Russian crime into a major export commodity. The United States Treasury is extremely concerned about the following developments. If unchecked, organized crime could be extremely destabilizing for political and economic reform in the countries involved. Organized crime diverts aid funds contributed by other countries and by international organizations and hampers the health and competitive ability of honest enterprises. The Russian-dominated groups are engaging in financial schemes that affect the stability of the international financial system. The author suggests actions that enforcement professionals could take to assist in combating the problems described.