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  • The Vory

  • Russia's Super Mafia
  • By: Mark Galeotti
  • Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
  • Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (136 ratings)
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The Vory cover art

The Vory

By: Mark Galeotti
Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
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Summary

Mark Galeotti is the go-to expert on organized crime in Russia, consulted by governments and police around the world. Now, Western listeners can explore the fascinating history of the vory v zakone, a group that has survived and thrived amid the changes brought on by Stalinism, the Cold War, the Afghan War, and the end of the Soviet experiment.

The vory - as the Russian mafia is also known - was born early in the 20th century, largely in the Gulags and criminal camps, where they developed their unique culture. Identified by their signature tattoos, members abided by the thieves' code, a strict system that forbade all paid employment and cooperation with law enforcement and the state. Based on two decades of on-the-ground research, Galeotti's captivating study details the vory's journey to power from their early days to their adaptation to modern-day Russia's free-wheeling oligarchy and global opportunities beyond.

©2018 Mark Galeotti (P)2018 Tantor

What listeners say about The Vory

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great

Dense
But very good. Really shows how organised crime has profoundly influenced modern Russia.
An important text, if you're trying to get your head round what's going on over there.

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3 people found this helpful

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Dull

Dull and boring. I had to give up - I listen when driving and this was making me want to fall asleep at the wheel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good insight into dysfunctional society

The writer gives an overview of the historical and upto date corruption which has run and is still running through Russia good read

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Deep Dive into the Culture of Russian Criminality

This is a satisfyingly detailed but unnerving look at how lawlessness and corruption have become endemic in the Russian state. A must read for anyone with in interest in the malign influence the Kremlin is now seeking to have on the map of Europe. All credit to the author’s research skills and extensive knowledge of the country in this ultimately very well balanced and thought-provoking work. Great presentation by Nigel Patterson too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent, Detailed, Informative and Entertaining

A very interesting and in-depth is iSight with excellent narration, a must for anyone interested in a behind the scenes look at Russian organised crime

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Excellent analysis

Excellent analysis.

The author has provided extensive research in an easily understood and interesting format.

The author provides plausible and persuasive analysis as to why the Russian gangsters came into existence, developed new business, and interacted with mainstream Russian society.

Disturbingly, despite excellent and fair handed analysis, the author remains collectivist, favouring the state and disparaging individual property rights and the profit motive.

Unusually good narration too.

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Really enjoyed this

This was superb. What an interesting book, beautifully written and narrated. It's gives brilliant context to the criminal invasion of Ukraine too. Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great insight Into a dysfunction regime

Well presented and researched narrative interesting to see how the history of the country has brought it to this point…. In 2023 .. good foundation for learning about the current catastrophe playing out in Europe

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Fascinating history

Found this really interesting, and good as a slant on the history of modern Russia. In places too detailed for me but overall glad I bought and listened to this work.

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very insightful

A scary insight especially given today's invasion of Ukraine and the seeming growth of corrupt power not just in Russia but other countries with weak institutions.

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