What was the estimated number of Russian criminal groups operating after the collapse of the USSR in 1991?

Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the social and economic upheaval led to a significant increase in criminal activity, giving rise to numerous organized crime groups. The estimate of around 700 Russian criminal groups reflects the chaotic landscape of post-Soviet society where various factions emerged, capitalizing on the vacuum left by the dissolution of state controls.

This number illustrates the extensive reach and diversification of organized crime during this period, as these groups adapted to various markets and methods of operation, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. The formation of these groups often had profound implications for both law enforcement and societal stability in Russia and beyond, as they often infiltrated legitimate businesses and created networks extending across borders.

The option suggesting 700 groups aligns with scholarly research and reports from that time, which indicated a robust emergence of organized crime in the wake of the Soviet Union's decline. This context highlights the scale and influence of Russian criminal organizations during this pivotal historical moment.