What term is used to refer to the Russian criminal underworld?

The term that refers to the Russian criminal underworld is "Voryi v zakone," which translates to "Thieves in Law." This phrase specifically designates a class of elite criminals who have earned this title through their actions and adherence to a particular code of conduct within the criminal community. The "Voryi v zakone" system is characterized by its hierarchical structure, codes of honor, and a focus on maintaining respect and influence within the organized crime landscape.

Though "Bratva" is commonly used to refer to the broader network of organized crime in Russia or the Russian Mafia, it does not specifically denote the criminal elite or the system of governance among them, which is central to understanding the underworld's structure. "Obshchak," on the other hand, refers to a communal fund among criminals used to support those in need or during conflicts, rather than the entire criminal organization itself.

Thus, the specific term that encapsulates the essence of the Russian criminal underworld and the elite criminal framework within it is "Voryi v zakone."