Russia “mafia state” leaked cables allege

02/12/10 12:39 CET

world news

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Russia is a virtual “mafia state”, allege leaked diplomatic cables released on WikiLeaks. US and other Western diplomats appear convinced the Kremlin works hand in hand with organised crime.

Serialised in the UK Guardian, the allegations claim rampant corruption, bribery, kick backs, and protection for gangsters are just some of things that go on in an autocratic kleptocracy centred on Russian premier Vladimir Putin.

Described by one US diplomat as ‘Batman’ with President Dmitry Medvedev as ‘Robin’, Putin is accused of amassing an illicit personal fortune during his time in office.

Underneath the Kremlin, top officials, notably mayors and governors, are accused of collecting bribes like taxes totalling some 230 billion euros a year.

The documents on the whistleblowing website also reveal American diplomats believe Putin was likely to have known about the operation to assassinate Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko. He was poisoned with polonium 210 in London in 2006.

More about: Mafia, Russia, WikiLeaks

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