Exploring Russia’s Banditry, Oligarchs, and Racketeers in the 90s

The 1990s in Russia were marked by tumultuous changes, as the collapse of the Soviet Union gave birth to a new era of political, social, and economic upheaval. Among the most notorious features of this transformative period were the rise of banditry, the emergence of oligarchs, and the pervasive influence of racketeers. It was a time when the rule of law seemed to falter, and the line between legitimate business and criminal enterprise blurred.

Banditry, in the form of organized crime groups, proliferated across the country during the 90s. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the ensuing economic chaos, many found themselves struggling to adapt to the new capitalist system. Unemployment soared, poverty became widespread, and institutions were weakened. In such an environment, criminal elements flourished, exploiting the vacuum of authority and exploiting opportunities for illicit gain.

One of the most infamous manifestations of this trend was the phenomenon of racketeering, where criminal groups would extort money from businesses in exchange for “protection” or to allow them to operate without interference. These racketeers operated with impunity, often resorting to violence and intimidation to maintain their control over their territories. Small businesses, in particular, found themselves at the…