What is the primary motivation behind the existence of organized crime in Russia?

The primary motivation behind the existence of organized crime in Russia is economic gain. Organized crime groups operate primarily to maximize their financial profit through various illicit activities. These could include drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, racketeering, and money laundering.

In the context of Russia, the transition from a state-controlled economy to a more market-oriented system in the 1990s created opportunities for criminal organizations to exploit legal and regulatory loopholes, engage in corrupt practices, and establish monopolies in various sectors. Economic gain allows these groups to thrive and maintain their power, pushing their influence over legitimate businesses and political entities. While political influence, social status, and revenge might play secondary roles in the broader dynamics of organized crime, the core motivation remains strongly tied to financial profit and the pursuit of control over economic resources.