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Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian television host, denies the Kremlin’s involvement in the aeroplane explosion that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, stating that Russia is a nation of laws, not a gang or mafia seeking revenge. However, Solovyov’s comments reveal the underlying suspicions that the killing had mafia-like characteristics.
Russian President Vladimir Putin follows a code of honor similar to that of mobsters, where betrayal and disloyalty are unforgivable sins. This explains the Kremlin’s use of hit-men to eliminate defectors from the Russian intelligence services. Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner militia and a trusted figure known as “Putin’s chef,” provided support for Russia’s activities in Ukraine. But when he turned against Putin, his fate was sealed.
The concept of revenge, depicted in movies like The Godfather, plays a significant role in the mafia code. Prigozhin’s rebellion was met with a delayed response, emphasizing the idea that revenge is best served cold, as remarked by Don Corleone in the movie.
The suggestion that Russia operates as a mafia state goes beyond mere literary representation. Putin’s biographer, Catherine Belton, reveals ties between Putin and St Petersburg’s criminal underworld during his tenure as the city’s deputy mayor. Furthermore, Prigozhin himself spent nearly a decade in prison. The Russian intelligence services, where Putin once worked, also have connections to organized crime, contributing to expertise in smuggling, money laundering, and murder.
Prigozhin’s Wagner group operated in Africa through a network of front companies, blurring the lines between private business, organized crime, and the Russian state. The demands of the Ukraine war have further complicated these boundaries. As Western sanctions restrict Russia’s access to open markets for oil and key technologies, the country becomes more inclined to collaborate with criminal networks experienced in illicit trade.
However, before hastily dismissing Russia as a criminal outlier, it is worth considering that a former US president was indicted under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) shortly after Prigozhin’s death. This law, specifically designed to combat organized crime, demonstrates that criminal elements exist in various nations.
Donald Trump, renowned for his background in New York construction and association with figures from the city’s crime families, often exhibits mannerisms akin to a mob boss. Trump’s emphasis on personal loyalty and his preference for resolving disputes internally resemble patterns observed in both Putin and mafia-like organizations.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to differentiate between Trump and Putin based on the systems they operate in. In today’s Russia, investigating Putin’s involvement in crimes, including Prigozhin’s murder, is highly unlikely, and independent prosecutors are non-existent. Conversely, Trump is being held accountable, with the possibility of facing legal consequences.
Undeniably, the United States can assert its status as a nation governed by laws, a claim that Solovyov falsely attributes to Russia. Unfortunately, Russia has transformed into a mafia state.
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