ABSTRACT
In the independent countries of the former Soviet Union, criminologists, political scientists, and sociologists are unanimous in agreeing that organized crime is a major, and perhaps the most important, factor hindering economic, political and social development. The activities of organized crime have repercussions that are felt well beyond the borders of the former Eastern Bloc. Because of globalization, the role of criminality in contemporary Russia and her neighboring countries has an impact on the quality of life and the security of citizens throughout the world. For example, the threats posed by the illicit trade of nuclear materials and narcotics, human trafficking and other types of crime have a strong East-West dimension. In this chapter, I present an overview of organized and transnational organized crime in Russia.
