The Vory cover art

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 Organized Crime Russia Social Sciences True Crime Crime Soviet Union Imperialism Socialism Capitalism Mafia

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All stars
Most relevant
Dense
But very good. Really shows how organised crime has profoundly influenced modern Russia.
An important text, if you're trying to get your head round what's going on over there.

Great

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Just excellent. Well worth the time to understand the Russian underworld properly. Better than any movie.

Detailed History

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Very thorough and well researched history of the Vory, their evolution through the decline of the Soviet era, and current modus operandi. Up to date, although for obvious reasons, the extent and details of current operations are less well detailed than previous.

Excellent and informative

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This is a satisfyingly detailed but unnerving look at how lawlessness and corruption have become endemic in the Russian state. A must read for anyone with in interest in the malign influence the Kremlin is now seeking to have on the map of Europe. All credit to the author’s research skills and extensive knowledge of the country in this ultimately very well balanced and thought-provoking work. Great presentation by Nigel Patterson too.

A Deep Dive into the Culture of Russian Criminality

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This book was free for me to listen and knowing nothing about it I was expecting a compilation of macho anecdotes. Instead it is a very informative history of the vory from it's beginnings up to recent times. It seems to be very well researched by an author with a clear understanding of Russia and it's near abroad. Highly recommend.

Well researched and very interesting.

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