The Vory cover art

The Vory

Russia's Super Mafia

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The Vory

By: Mark Galeotti
Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
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About this listen

Mark Galeotti is the go-to expert on organized crime in Russia, consulted by governments and police around the world. Now, Western listeners can explore the fascinating history of the vory v zakone, a group that has survived and thrived amid the changes brought on by Stalinism, the Cold War, the Afghan War, and the end of the Soviet experiment.

The vory - as the Russian mafia is also known - was born early in the 20th century, largely in the Gulags and criminal camps, where they developed their unique culture. Identified by their signature tattoos, members abided by the thieves' code, a strict system that forbade all paid employment and cooperation with law enforcement and the state. Based on two decades of on-the-ground research, Galeotti's captivating study details the vory's journey to power from their early days to their adaptation to modern-day Russia's free-wheeling oligarchy and global opportunities beyond.

©2018 Mark Galeotti (P)2018 Tantor 20th Century Modern Organized Crime Russia Social Sciences True Crime Imperialism Mafia

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All stars
Most relevant
A scary insight especially given today's invasion of Ukraine and the seeming growth of corrupt power not just in Russia but other countries with weak institutions.

very insightful

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Well presented and researched narrative interesting to see how the history of the country has brought it to this point…. In 2023 .. good foundation for learning about the current catastrophe playing out in Europe

Great insight Into a dysfunction regime

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Very thorough and well researched history of the Vory, their evolution through the decline of the Soviet era, and current modus operandi. Up to date, although for obvious reasons, the extent and details of current operations are less well detailed than previous.

Excellent and informative

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a bit hard going in places but a good over view of the history / people of the vory.

more a research book than a novel

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Found this really interesting, and good as a slant on the history of modern Russia. In places too detailed for me but overall glad I bought and listened to this work.

Fascinating history

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This is a satisfyingly detailed but unnerving look at how lawlessness and corruption have become endemic in the Russian state. A must read for anyone with in interest in the malign influence the Kremlin is now seeking to have on the map of Europe. All credit to the author’s research skills and extensive knowledge of the country in this ultimately very well balanced and thought-provoking work. Great presentation by Nigel Patterson too.

A Deep Dive into the Culture of Russian Criminality

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This was superb. What an interesting book, beautifully written and narrated. It's gives brilliant context to the criminal invasion of Ukraine too. Highly recommended.

Really enjoyed this

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A very interesting and in-depth is iSight with excellent narration, a must for anyone interested in a behind the scenes look at Russian organised crime

Excellent, Detailed, Informative and Entertaining

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a truly fascinating insight in to a highly detailed underworld with a remarkable narrator too

not for the faint hearted, it's going deep

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Went into more detailed history than expected giving the full story of how the organisations developed.

Extremely detailed history

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