Wooz
^wooz*y^
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17753258-421,00.html
Russian mafia sets up shop
From: By Jim Dickins
January 08, 2006
Russian mafia sets up shop
From: By Jim Dickins
January 08, 2006
RUSSIAN gangsters, including ex-KGB agents, have infiltrated Australia, establishing extortion, gun-running and prostitution rackets, Australian Federal Police say.
They are involved in fraud, drugs and blackmail, according to an AFP and Australian Crime Commission report obtained by The Sunday Telegraph.
Renowned for their audacity and efficiency, Russian criminals have established a foothold in Australia, the report reveals.
Some of those involved were once members of the KGB, where they learned skills such as debugging, computer hacking and strategic recruitment.
Their activities in Australia are centred on Sydney, especially Bondi, and the Gold Coast.
Extortion within Australia is mainly limited to members of the emigre Russian community.
However, unlike mafia organisations of the past, Russian gangs are not reliant on family bonds, but are based on loose criminal networks.
Australian authorities are working with the FBI, Interpol and New Zealand police to root out the problem.
Customs Minister Chris Ellison said organised crime would be monitored vigorously in Australia.
"The AFP, in conjunction with partner agencies domestically and internationally, is conducting pro-active initiatives to monitor the activities and garner a greater understanding of their threat to Australian interests," he said.