CRIMINALS DOMINATE THOSE GOING ABROAD TO BUY GOODS.

A survey of people in Tatarstan who regularly travel abroad topurchase goods-a group of people generically called "shuttles"-foundthat half of them have to pay off local officials and more than40 percent are controlled by criminal gangs, Russian media reportedAugust 27. Most of those engaged in this activity are highlyeducated (82 percent have at least a secondary degree) and manyare women (80 percent). Four out of five of those involved saidthey were involved in such purchases to feed their families.

Ever More Russians Are Missing Persons.