Support The Moscow Times!

Russian Lawmakers Pass Bill to Punish Organized Crime Bosses

Moskva News Agency

Russian lawmakers have passed legislation that extends punishments for those holding senior positions in organized crime groups.

Lawmakers estimate that members of organized crime groups in Russia committed more than 15,000 felonies in 2018.

Russia’s upper-house Federation Council voted in favor of the organized-crime bill on Wednesday, sending it to President Vladimir Putin’s desk to be signed into law.

Under the proposal Putin submitted on Feb. 14, those found guilty of “creating a criminal organization” or participating in senior-level meetings will face up to 20 years in jail. Those who hold a “high rank” in the criminal enterprise risk a lifetime sentence for the same crimes.

Occupying a “high rank in the criminal hierarchy” in itself is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Individuals prosecuted for all four of the proposed crimes are also subject to fines of up to 5 million rubles ($77,000). Those who cooperate with the authorities or voluntarily leave the criminal organization can be exonerated if they are not accused of other offenses.

Lower-house State Duma deputies passed the legislation amending Russia’s existing Criminal Code in three readings between Feb. 19 and March 14.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more