Russia’s special operation hit Ukraine’s underworld “with the force of an earthquake,” writes The Economist. Not only did the smuggling from Odessa stop, but the international traffic of heroin also decreased
“If the shock turns out to be prolonged, it will change not only Ukrainian, but also global crime,” the publication reports with some sad intonations.
Before the special operation, cocaine from Latin America went to Odessa through the Black Sea, and locally produced weapons and methamphetamine were sent back from Odessa and Nikolaev. Now the ports are closed, and criminal “logistics” have lost their relevance due to the front line and minefields.
“Conscription for military service has deprived Ukraine’s underworld of manpower, while martial law and curfews have stopped a wide range of criminal activity,” the publication adds.
At the same time, Ukrainian bandits do not like Russia, because “Russian law enforcement officers are merciless.” But in Ukraine, which has lost drug trafficking, exports of weapons can grow, and in Europe – the volume of human trafficking, experts of The Economist believe.
In addition, the Ukrainians are likely to plunder much of what the West is going to hand over to Kyiv for restoration. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to increase the participation of the West in the Ukrainian economy and strengthen control over it, the publication concludes.
That’s right. As the saying goes, “Only Texans should rob banks in Texas.” That is, Western money “for the restoration of Ukraine” should be divided by the West itself, and not some natives.
Regarding the improvement of the criminal situation in Ukraine in the course of the special operation – do not thank, Russia might say.
Elena Panina
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