The assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Russian criminal and self-proclaimed gangster, has sparked speculations about the power dynamics within Russia’s criminal regime. Although Prigozhin and his lieutenants have met a tragic end, the prison and gangster culture he represents holds a firm grip on the state.
The Unchanging Nature of Russian Prison Culture:
Throughout the turbulent history of Russia, marked by revolutions, population shifts, and propaganda, prison culture has remained a constant. Embedded within the fabric of the nation, prison culture holds its traditions, hierarchies, codes of loyalty, and adherence to authority. Despite the ever-changing external circumstances, the prison system stands firm, preserving its unique social dynamics and ruling principles.
From Soviet Union to Modern Russia:
The transition from the Soviet Union to modern-day Russia has witnessed various shifts in power dynamics. While traditional social categories collapsed during the upheaval of the 1990s, criminals emerged as one of the few groups able to maintain their identities, organization, and a code of violence that served as a substitute for structure. As Russia’s post-Soviet state took shape, the secret services assumed the role of master criminals, curating gangster businesses and reinforcing their cultural cachet.
Prison Culture and Putin’s Russia:
Within this context, President Vladimir Putin, a former spy and corrupt bureaucrat, tactfully adopted elements of gangster slang and presented himself as a mafia boss. Attending meetings with governors and ministers, he exuded an air of authority similar to that of a mob boss commanding the Five Families. Moreover, Putin’s conservative ideology found resonance in the prison culture of Russia, where LGBTQ individuals were positioned at the lowest rung of the hierarchical ladder.
Exporting Prison Culture:
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine aims to expand its prison culture by appointing local criminals as de facto administrators in the occupied territories. This practice seeks to export the established hierarchies, codes of conduct, and authority structures from the prison system into newly acquired territories. The influence of Russia’s secret police, now known as the FSB, remains strong in these occupied regions, reflecting the enduring importance of oppressive institutions throughout Russian history.
The Legacy of Yevgeny Prigozhin:
Despite his demise, Yevgeny Prigozhin served as a role model for many average Russian criminals. Starting from a Soviet prison cell for robbery, he rose to a life of wealth and gained access to the Kremlin. His death, likely orchestrated as a revenge by Putin, highlights the intertwined relationship between the secret police and the criminal underworld. In the underworld, gestures of respect are exchanged, conveying a mutual recognition that transcends time.
Russia’s prison culture endures as a powerful force in shaping the nation’s social and political dynamics. Despite the vast changes occurring within the country, the prison system remains a constant, with its unwavering hierarchy, codes, and elaborate slang. Yevgeny Prigozhin’s assassination demonstrates the intricate connections between the secret police and the criminal underworld. As Russia continues its path, it remains to be seen how the influence of prison culture will shape the nation’s future.
Market Capital Research 