Russia Economy - Havocscope - Global Black Markets

Drug Users in Russia in 2006

There were 5 to 6 million drug users in Russia in 2006, according to the US State Department.

Number of Russian Gangs involved in Drugs

950 different criminal groups were involved in drug trafficking in 2004.

Reason AK-47s Are Produced Worldwide

According to Larry Kahaner, author of AK-47:The Weapon That Changed The Face Of War, counterfeit production of AK-47s stems from the fact that the inventor of the AK-47 Mikhail Kalashnikov “never patented the rifle’s design – the thought had never occurred to him or anyone else under the Soviet regime.”

Number of Unlicensed AK-47s Circulating the World

Around 100 million Ak-47s are circulating around the world, with 47 national armies utilizing the weapon. Russia has stated that it only accounts for 10 to 12 percent of the sales of the weapon, with the rest being unlicensed and counterfeit copies.

Percent of Fake Drugs in Russia's Pharmaceutical Market

In Russia, counterfeit drugs comprise of 3.5 percent to 12 percent of the total pharmaceutical drug market. Some experts believe it to be as high as 20 percent in the year 2005.

Percent of Fake Drugs in Russia's Pharmaceutical Market

In Russia, counterfeit drugs comprise of 3.5 percent to 12 percent of the total pharmaceutical drug market. Some experts believe it to be as high as 20 percent in the year 2005.

Caviar smuggling by Russian gangs

The Associated Press reported that “Russian crime gangs smuggle beluga caviar in suitcases, fetching $4,450 per kilogram in the retail market.”

Fake Alcohol Portion of Russia's Market

Counterfeit alcohol makes up to 40 percent of all alcohol sales in Russia.

Number of Deaths in Russia From Driving Fake Alcohol

42,000 people die every year in Russia from drinking counterfeit alcohol Source: Steven Eke, “Fake Russian alcohol ‘kills many’”, BBC News, June 23, 2006.

Price of a Counterfeit Bottle of Vodka in Russia

A counterfeit bottle of alcohol is offered as low as $0.60 in Russia.