What is the first membership requirement for joining a Russian organized crime group?

The requirement for prospective members to have three sponsors is essential within Russian organized crime groups, often referred to as the "traditional" approach to membership. This reflects a system of trust and loyalty, as having multiple sponsors indicates that the potential member has been vetted and is deemed trustworthy by existing members of the organization. This practice also helps to ensure that new members have support and a network to rely on, which is critical in the high-stakes environment of organized crime. The necessity of sponsorship is rooted in the historical context of these groups, where reputation, reliability, and established relationships are vital for maintaining cohesion and security within the organization.

In contrast, other options present aspects that might contribute to one's standing within organized crime, but are not typically a formal requirement for entry. Wealth, criminal experience, or familial connections can enhance an individual's status or desirability within these groups but do not serve as foundational criteria for initial membership. Therefore, while valuable, those traits do not hold the same level of necessity as having three sponsors when seeking to join a Russian organized crime group.