NCJ Number
174682
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 11 Issue: 2-3 Dated: December 1998 Pages: 105-107
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Organized crime in Russia is discussed with respect to its nature and extent, the reasons for the low effectiveness of efforts to address it, and the specific problems involved in collecting evidence.
Abstract
In the late 1980s the committed by organized criminal groups were limited to common criminal offenses. However, the scope of organized crime has greatly expanded, so that it now reaches all the social, political, and government arenas and generates most of its profits from contraband, drug trafficking, real estate crimes, and other offenses. Enforcement of the strengthened law that took effect in January 1997 has been limited by several factors. Among these are the variety of offenses; the intimidation of witnesses, victims, and criminal justice personnel; and the use of security and detective enterprises as masks for illicit activities. Other factors include the secrecy used to develop and carry out criminal plans, the high level of organization of the criminal groups, the corruption of law enforcement personnel, the falsification of alibis, and self-disclosure to protect accomplices when punishment is inescapable. Factors that hinder evidence collection include the outdated code of criminal procedure, threats and bribery of victims and witnesses, inadequate training of detectives, and inadequate technical supplies for investigative personnel.