Approximately how many organized crime groups existed in the Soviet Union before its collapse in 1991?

The estimate of 150-200 organized crime groups in the Soviet Union before its collapse in 1991 is indicative of the complexity and scale of criminal networks that developed during that era. This period saw the rise of various criminal organizations that were often rooted in ethnic and regional ties, as well as deeply influenced by the socio-economic conditions of the time, such as economic hardship and political corruption.

These groups engaged in a wide range of illicit activities, including smuggling, drug trafficking, extortion, and racketeering, which were fueled by the significant gaps in law enforcement and judicial systems. The number of groups reflects an environment where organized crime could thrive, partly due to the lack of effective governance and the state's inability to manage widespread corruption. Therefore, this estimate encapsulates the organized crime landscape of the Soviet Union at the time, emphasizing both the quantity and the complexity of the organized crime phenomenon in that historical context.