Mikhail Krug – The Iconic Voice of Russian Shanson
A legend of Russian prison ballads, Mikhail Krug's music became the anthem of a subculture. His mysterious death only deepened his myth.
Russian Prison Culture
Exploring the history, legends, and traditions of the criminal subculture in Russian prisons.
Featured Articles
Russian Prison Tattoos: More Than Just Ink
In Soviet and Russian prisons, tattoos were more than art — they marked rank, reputation, and survival. From handmade ink and improvised tools to deadly risks and coded meanings, this article explores the brutal and symbolic world of prison tattooing behind bars.
Black Dolphin Prison: Inside Russia’s Harshest Maximum-Security Colony
Black Dolphin (IK-6) is Russia’s toughest prison for lifers. From a papier-mâché dolphin that gave the camp its nickname to hooded transfers, 90-minute “walks” in concrete cages, and a parole system that rejects nearly every application, this article reveals the un-varnished reality of life behind its triple-barred doors.
Russian Prison Tattoo Meanings: Compass Rose, Spider, Deer & Cat Symbols
Discover the hidden language of prison tattoos—from the authority of the compass rose to the drug-user spider, the freedom-seeking deer, and the “cat” symbol of a lifelong inmate.
Origins of the "Vory v Zakone": Russia’s Criminal Elite
Explore the history behind the notorious "Vory v Zakone" ("Thieves in Law"), the influential criminal caste that arose from post-revolutionary chaos, shaping Russia's criminal underworld for decades.
Who Is a "Vor v Zakone"? The Criminal Elite of Russian Prisons
The "Vor v Zakone" — or thief-in-law — is not just a title, but a high-status role in the criminal underworld of Russia. With it comes power, obligation, and brutal consequences for failure. Here's what it means to become one, and the responsibilities it carries.
Solovki: From Monastery to Gulag
Once a spiritual fortress of Russian Orthodoxy, the Solovetsky Monastery became one of the first Soviet labor camps — a place where nobles, priests, intellectuals, and criminals were thrown together under brutal rule. This is the story of how faith, violence, and ideology collided on an isolated northern island.
Church Domes, Beetles, and the "King of All Suits": Symbolism of Russian Prison Tattoos
Russian prison tattoos often carry deep and specific meanings. Domes may signify years spent behind bars, beetles offer luck to thieves, and a crown with card suits tells a story of shame. These marks are not just ink — they're a language of power, status, and survival.
Red, Black, and Green Zones: Power and Hierarchy in Russian Prisons
Russian prisons are commonly divided into red, black, and more recently, green zones — each with its own unwritten rules, hierarchies, and forms of control. This article explores how these divisions affect inmates’ lives and relationships with both the authorities and each other.
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