I was watching "Cops: Moscow" and it was following the Speknaz as they broke up an illegal Vodka production ring. When they caught the people they would beat the h*ll out of them, 2 guys stand in front of the camera, one stands on the dudes neck, and the other kicks him, and then once they spill the beans about any information they may have they are thrown into jail and largely forgotten about. So why would anyone break the law? It is a death wish essentially, can they not take the hint or is crime so bad in Russia that the cases we hear about are the few successes?

It would help if there were some forum members who were Russian to ask about it but for some reason they tend to get offended and leave the forum.

Crooks would risks their lives to make money.

Why do we always hear about the Russian mafia being so incredibly powerful in Russia? Is that a bad rumor or do they pay off the police?

I saw a documentary on the Russian Mafia. There illegal business is worth billions of dollars.

From what ive read the pay in russia is so low that most people will take bribes as its the way to get money or take part in illegal activities as its where the money is.

Russia is still in the process of becoming a true democratic and human society, this kind of behaviors is just part of the process, it will improve every year.

I also don't think USA is so perfect on this issue (beating people), although a way better than most other countries.

Putin may bring Russia to a better future, but Putin only has 4 years term, then he is gone, quite pity actually.

At the minute it looks like Putin might be there a lot longer as he effectivley controls the media, in the last elections i believe only his parties political broadcasts were allowed on tv. yes russia is evolving but most of the wealth is in the hands of a few, and corruption is meant to be rife.

Flying Frog, I'm not entirely convinced that Russia is ultimately headed for democracy. I hope they are, but I have my doubts.

A market economy has worked out quite well in many Eastern European nations that were Communist beforehand. It hasn't worked out so well for Russia for some reason.

My biggest worry for Russia is that they are in exactly the type of position for a charismatic to seize power and re-establish a totalitarianistic regime. The reason that might be appealing to Russians is that such a leader could promise to end Chechen attacks, promise to destroy the Russian Mafia and promise to re-establish Russian power in the world.

godofthunder9010, I understand your points.

We have to read Russia in this way: Russia has been traditionally a totalitarian society, the historic heritage of this will mean that for Russia it will take much longer time to become a true democratic, harmony and humane society than countries in some East Europe, but the end destination for all nations is same.

Same applies to China, it may take 30 or even 50 years for China to become democratic nation, but China will be there, for sure.