How "thieves in law" work

[chushpan]

The term "thieves in law" refers to organized crime figures who are traditionally associated with the criminal world of the post-Soviet space. This is an informal community that has its own rules, hierarchy and cultural norms. However, it is important to understand that the activities of "thieves in law" are illegal and contrary to the laws of most countries. Let's consider this phenomenon for educational purposes only, in order to better understand its historical and social context.

1. History of origin​

• Origin: The phenomenon of "thieves in law" arose in the USSR in the 1920s and 1930s, mainly in prisons and Gulag camps.
• Objective: Under the totalitarian regime, some prisoners created their own rules of conduct in order to resist the camp administration and maintain their identity.
• Code of honor: Over time, the so-called "thieves' law" was formed - a set of rules regulating the behavior of "thieves in law".

2. Basic principles of the "thieves' law"​

"Thieves in law" adhere to strict rules that define their status and behavior:

• Refusal of legal life: A "thief" must not work or cooperate with the state.
• Criminal lifestyle: The "thief's" activities must be related to illegal actions.
• Neutrality in politics: Traditionally, "thieves in law" do not take political positions.
• Loyalty to the criminal underworld: Treason is considered the most serious offense, punishable by exile or even death.
• Equality in the criminal world: All "thieves in law" are equal, regardless of their origin or wealth.

3. Hierarchy and structure​

• "Thieves in law": The highest circle of the criminal world, possessing authority and power.
• "Overseers": Persons who control certain territories or groups, but do not have the status of "thief in law".
• "Sixers": Subordinates who carry out orders from higher-ranking members of the group.

4. How do they work?​

The activities of "thieves in law" cover various aspects of organized crime:

a) Control over territories​

• "Thieves in law" often control certain regions or cities, where they set their own rules and collect tribute (for example, from local businesses).

b) Distribution of income​

• They coordinate the distribution of proceeds from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, racketeering, extortion and underground business.

c) Conflict resolution​

• "Thieves in law" act as judges in the criminal world, resolving disputes between gangs or members of criminal groups.

d) Connections with other groups​

• They maintain connections with international criminal organizations, which allows them to expand their influence beyond the post-Soviet space.

5. Contemporary context​

Today the role of "thieves in law" has changed significantly:

• Economic interests: Many "thieves in law" have moved from traditional crime to running legal businesses, which allows them to legalize their income.
• International influence: Their activities have spread beyond the CIS countries, including Europe, the USA and other regions.
• Competition with other groups: Modern "thieves in law" face competition from other criminal organizations, such as cartels or mafia clans.

6. Legislative struggle​

Many countries are actively fighting against the activities of "thieves in law":

• Criminal prosecution: Organized crime participants are prosecuted for extortion, corruption and other crimes.
• Isolation of Leaders: Gang leaders are often placed in maximum security prisons or extradited to countries with strict laws.
• Financial Control: Freezing accounts and confiscating assets helps limit their economic power.

7. Problems and consequences​

• Social impact: The activities of "thieves in law" undermine trust in law enforcement agencies and government institutions.
• Criminalization of society: Their existence contributes to the spread of crime and corruption.
• International risks: "Thieves in law" may be linked to terrorism, human trafficking and other global threats.

8. Conclusion​

"Thieves in law" are a complex phenomenon that arose as a result of historical and social factors. Although their activities are based on strict rules and traditions, they are completely contrary to the laws of modern society. Understanding this phenomenon is important for analyzing criminal structures and developing measures to neutralize them.

If you have additional questions or need help with another aspect of this topic, write - I will try to help within the legal context!

 

[Man]

"Thieves in law" are a specific criminal elite of the post-Soviet space, whose subculture was formed in Stalin's camps and evolved in the modern era. Here's how their system works:

1. Initiation ("coronation")​

The new thief is "crowned" by the current authorities at a special gathering. The ritual includes:

• An oath to observe the "thieves' code"
• Refusal to cooperate with the state (for life)
• Ban on marriage and official work
• A vow to redistribute income into a "common fund"

2. Hierarchical structure​

• "Overseers" - control territories/prisons
• "Brigadiers" - oversee specific criminal schemes
• "Obshchakovy" - manage finances ("obshchak")
• "Authorities" - resolve disputes at meetings

3. Economic model​

Main sources of income:

• Racketeering (30-50% of business in controlled areas)
• Shadow imports (oil products, tobacco, alcohol)
• Government procurement (kickbacks through controlled firms)
• Cybercrime (last 10 years)

4. Code of Conduct​

• Ban on political activity (but exceptions have been made since the 2000s)
• The duty to support the families of convicted "brothers"
• Taboo on drug use (although now often broken)
• Responsibility for the "right" prisoners (transfer of food, protection)

5. Modern transformation​

• Legalization through law firms and funds
• Globalization (especially in Spain, UAE, Germany)
• Technologization - creation of IT teams for cyber fraud
• Symbiosis with officials (high-level "roof" system)

6. Control mechanisms​

• "Registration" in new zones
• "Showdowns" for violations of concepts
• "Death Sentences" for Treason
• Financial sanctions (fines to the common fund)

An interesting paradox: today only about 17% of "thieves in law" have real prison terms - the rest operate through front men, maintaining formal "cleanliness" before the criminal community.

Do you want to learn about specific schemes for legalizing income or the geographical features of this system?