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The Vory

Russia's Super Mafia

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The Vory

By: Mark Galeotti
Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
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About this listen

Mark Galeotti is the go-to expert on organized crime in Russia, consulted by governments and police around the world. Now, Western listeners can explore the fascinating history of the vory v zakone, a group that has survived and thrived amid the changes brought on by Stalinism, the Cold War, the Afghan War, and the end of the Soviet experiment.

The vory - as the Russian mafia is also known - was born early in the 20th century, largely in the Gulags and criminal camps, where they developed their unique culture. Identified by their signature tattoos, members abided by the thieves' code, a strict system that forbade all paid employment and cooperation with law enforcement and the state. Based on two decades of on-the-ground research, Galeotti's captivating study details the vory's journey to power from their early days to their adaptation to modern-day Russia's free-wheeling oligarchy and global opportunities beyond.

©2018 Mark Galeotti (P)2018 Tantor 20th Century Modern Organised Crime Russia Social Sciences True Crime Crime Soviet Union Imperialism Socialism Capitalism
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What an amazing book. Fascinating insight and stories. Kept me captivated all the way through. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Russian mafia past or present.

Excellent and engrossing

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Absolutely fascinating deep dive into the Russian underworld and its far-reaching tentacles. It will forever change the way I see the world and global business and politics.

Epic piece of work!

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