Fighting mafia

In Italy, the parliament's anti-Mafia commission examining links between politicians and organized crime collapsed in 1994.

In Russia, the Crime War is rising out of the ashes of the Cold War. According to one estimate, the 4,000 racketeering gangs in Russia have gained influence over more or less 70 percent of domestic business. The links between Russian criminal gangs and organized crime in the West are quickly developing. Foreign direct investment is not encouraged in such a climate whilst money laundering and widespread corruption are. In essence, the Russian mafia has become a main threat to Russia's chances for emerging from economic disaster and consolidating the foundations of democracy. The Russian mafia is, therefore, of major concern to Russian, Western, and global security. It is in this light that the Russian mafia must be treated and dealt with.