ABSTRACT
In the early 1990s, Chechen organized crime groups played a critical role in the attempt to form an independent Chechen state. Both separatists and crime groups benefited from the relationship. They did not necessarily have to agree on methods, goals, or desired end-state, since it was sufficient that their relationship was mutually beneficial. The formation of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeriya (ChRI) was inspired by separatism, not jihadism, and the separatists adopted the traditional wolf symbol for their statehood. Yet, there were growing links to Islamic extremism. This chapter describes the convergence of separatism, organized crime, and jihadist terrorism within the ChRI, which eventually led to the fall of the ChRI government and its move into exile.
