Russia's fight against drug trafficking: Challenges in developing local law enforcement capabilities

Abstract

This thesis discusses trafficking as a distinct form of organized crime. It highlights the different qualities of mafias and trafficking networks, the two dominant forms of organized crime in Russia. The four distinct qualities addressed are function, the potential for legalization of their operations, relationship to the state and state employees, and limits inherent in their geographic scope of activity. Studies conducted on two border programs that operate in post-Soviet states, EUBAM and BOMCA, provide real-world examples of challenges posed by traffickers, as well as challenges that exist in the current policing structures of Russia. The final section briefly offers policy suggestions that Russia should implement in order to refocus their anti-organized crime efforts to fighting trafficking.