Russian organized crime refers to a network of criminal groups that originated in the former Soviet Union and have since expanded globally. These groups engage in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. They often operate through a hierarchical structure, with leaders known as "thieves-in-law" who enforce codes of conduct among members. The rise of Russian organized crime can be traced back to the economic turmoil following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. This environment allowed criminal organizations to flourish, taking advantage of weakened law enforcement and political instability. Today, these groups maintain connections with other international criminal organizations, complicating global efforts to combat their activities.