[GeorgefromGeorgia]

One thing that is not mentioned here is that the Russian Mob had years of working with the black market under communism in the old USSR. The black market was in essence the free market and not considered criminal by most of the population since many products were strictly controlled by the state (leading to shortages). Once communism died and the black market became the free market with its Mob.

[bd476]

GeorgefromGeorgia wrote: "One thing that is not mentioned here is that the Russian Mob had years of working with the black market under communism in the old USSR. The black market was in essence the free market and not considered criminal by most of the population since many products were strictly controlled by the state (leading to shortages). Once communism died and the black market became the free market with its Mob."


The black market was certainly not considered criminal by Yeltsin's chosen successor:

From the WND article:

"...Yeltsin's chosen successor, Vladimir Putin, a former KGB colonel, was tainted by scandal involving the issuing of licenses to gambling casinos when he was vice mayor of St. Petersburg in the early 1990s. Much like the enigmatic and alcoholic Yeltsin, since becoming president this year Putin has done little to stem corruption..."

[GarySpFc]

The black market was in essence the free market and not considered criminal by most of the population since many products were strictly controlled by the state (leading to shortages). Once communism died and the black market became the free market with its Mob.

Let's not confuse the black market with the market. In every Russian city their is one or more markets, where vendors hawk their wares out of stalls. These are free markets and not controlled by criminals. One can obtain goods there at far better prices than one can in the stores. As examples, I purchased a beautiful coat made out of antelope for $149, which has been valued in Kansas City for over $3,000. I also purchased a sable dress shepka for $40, which I can only imagine what the price would be if you could purchase it in America>