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. Last Updated: 05/22/2013

Putin Criticizes Customs' R&B Video

Reuters

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Wednesday criticized a group of customs officers for a video clip they posted on YouTube celebrating the lavish lifestyle they say comes with their government jobs.

The mock rap video made in Vladivostok shows customs officials in sunglasses driving a Rolls Royce and drinking champagne while surrounded by scantily clad women.

No disciplinary action has been taken to date against the officers who posted the clip, but Putin, Russia's paramount leader, condemned the bling-filled tongue-in-cheek video.

"Discipline is needed in several of the divisions, we have to raise it a little," Putin said at a meeting with the head of the Federal Customs Service.

"I like to joke and laugh a little myself, but this kind of creativity should be saved for a talent show," Putin said.





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