Crime is now a formidable problem in Russia, and the police cannot keep up with its rise. Reported murders in the first nine months of 1993 rose to 33,798, up 47% on the previous year. Most murders are the result of inter-gang violence. Muggings in the larger cities are sharply up. Corruption and mafia-style activity are also widespread. Protection rackets, prostitution, smuggling operations and drugs are the Russian mafia's sources of profit. Russian crime bosses are beginning to fund similar activities in Western Europe, using banks as fronts. In outlying areas, especially Siberia, Westerners are increasingly the victims of violent car theft. The rise in crime has become a major issue for most Russians. Parties such as Zhirinovsky's LDPR, who are promising to stamp crime out, are gaining popular support.
