Hierarchy

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.

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.

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.