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Criminal Utilization by State and Putin's Social Contract with Gangsters
The KGB used criminals like black marketeers and currency speculators to gather information on tourists. Criminals were considered instrumental by the security apparatus. Putin's strategy upon coming to power was to prioritize appearing tough on crime rather than actually combatting organized crime. A gangster kept a suitcase of cash under his bed to escape if informed of an impending arrest. Putin's unspoken social contract with gangsters was that as long as they didn't challenge or embarrass the state, they would not be targeted. The state only intervened with organized crime when it became necessary or beneficial to do so.